Supercomputer predicts 14-year first in Sunderland vs Newcastle
The Wear-Tyne derby comes back to the Premier League on Sunday for the first time since 2016.
Sunderland are already living in Eddie Howe’s head, with their clash with Newcastle now just days away from taking place.
Habib Diarra could make an expected return at the weekend, with the Black Cats glad to have Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki available after recent suspension scares.
Momentum will perhaps have Sunderland as the favourite, but Opta‘s supercomputer has different ideas.
Newcastle predicted to beat Sunderland
Sunderland have had a great season, and the majority of their success has emerged as a result of their impressive home form.
The Black Cats are yet to lose at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland’s 3-2 victory over Bournemouth their latest triumph on home soil.
Newcastle will be looking to disprove that home record and improve their own away record, and Opta believes that they will.
The Magpies have been awarded a 49.8 per cent chance of a win on Sunday, while the Mackems have a 26.6 per cent chance of taking all three points.
If that were to come true, it would be the first time that Newcastle have won a league game at the Stadium of Light in 14 years, which was the last time that Sunderland lost to the Magpies in the competition.
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Howe has already made Newcastle decision ahead of Sunderland clash
The Wear-Tyne derby is arguably the biggest of its kind in the Premier League, and that is only amplified by the fears shared by both supporters in the build-up to the game.
Given that the Black Cats are a point above Newcastle in the table, the fears are certainly stronger on the Tyne, but not enough for Howe to change his team selection for their mid-week Champions League encounter.
As relayed by Keith Downie on X, Howe has said that he will use a full-strength side for their clash with Leverkusen, despite the game with Sunderland being a few days later.
That could be good news for the Black Cats, especially if they pick up any key injuries in Germany.
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