Sunderland v Newcastle

Sunderland vs Newcastle Preview

Without doubt, the pick of Saturday's FA Cup third round ties features this north-east local derby between Sunderland and Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light with Sunderland seeking to collect a third win in four games following their 2-0 home win against Preston NE, while Newcastle United will be happy to turn their attentions to the FA Cup following four defeats on the trot in all competitions.

Sunderland will head into this local derby in confident mood after securing recent wins against Hull City and Preston NE along with a point in a draw away from home at Rotherham United and the Black Cats' new manager, Michael Beale, knows he'll be given legend status if he can guide his side to a victory here over The Magpies.

The hosts have lost just four of their last 13 matches in all competitions while also picking up six wins in the process, so the Black Cats will fancy their chances here with home advantage at the Stadium of Light where the hosts have collected eight wins within their last 12 games overall.

Notable wins against the likes of Southampton, Watford, Norwich City, West Brom and Leeds United will give Sunderland a welcome boost ahead of this cup-tie.

Newcastle United slumped to a fourth defeat on the trot in all competitions following their recent 4-2 defeat away from home at Liverpool on New Years Day which handed Eddie Howe's side a disappointing start to 2024 and followed previous losses to the likes of Chelsea (League Cup), Luton Town and Nottingham Forest.

Indeed, Eddie Howe's odds have now shortened to around 4.50 with bet365 in the Premier League sack race which perhaps is understandable given Newcastle United have now lost seven out of their last eight matches in all competitions, thus making this upcoming local derby in the FA Cup against Sunderland a potential banana-skin for The Magpies.

The goals market may also appeal here as five of Newcastle United's last eight games have also resulted in both teams scoring and this option looks the most attractive as the visitors have failed to win any of their previous eight outings on the road in all competitions.

In addition, Newcastle United have managed to keep just three clean sheets out of their last 28 away games in all competitions which may just open the door for their fierce rivals to take advantage of their current slump and heap further pressure upon Eddie How.

Sunderland v Newcastle United Verdict

Interestingly, despite the obvious gulf between the two teams with Newcastle United being in the top half of the Premier League table, Sunderland are unbeaten in each of the last nine meetings against The Magpies which gives the hosts a decent chance of a result here.

Both teams to score though is the favoured option for this cup-tie.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS Yes @ 1.66

Other side bets worth considering:

Newcastle Utd win @ 1.75

Correct Score: Newcastle Utd 3-1 @ 13.00