Newcastle United square off against fierce rivals Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday and the encounter will be more fiercely contested than usual as so much is at stake for both teams heading into the game.
Newcastle United Match Betting News
Rafael Benitez was unable to guide his side to a good result on his first game in charge as Newcastle United manager after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Leicester City but it has to be said that the Magpies put in a much improved performance on the night.
Now Benitez prepares for his home debut at St. James’ Park and he perhaps could not have asked for a bigger occasion as Newcastle square off against fierce rivals and fellow relegation battlers Sunderland on Sunday.
Newcastle’s recent record against Sunderland is woeful and Benitez will become a cult hero if he is able to end the rut. On the other hand, a loss could well already prove to be irreparable in terms of his relation with the fans as well as in their survival aspirations.
Papiss Cisse, Yoann Gouffran, Fabricio Coloccini, Paul Dummett, Massaido Haidara, Tim Krul, Chancel Mbemba, Gabriel Obertan and Ivan Toney are all injured.
Sunderland Match Betting News
Sunderland have steadied the ship in recent times and while the Black Cats have lost only once in their last five matches, an inability to claim victories means that they remain perilously close to the drop zone.
Now Sunderland prepare to travel to enemy territory to square off against Newcastle United this weekend and despite their fine record against the Magpies, manager Sam Allardyce knows that claiming a good result this weekend will be extremely challenging.
Wahbi Khazri is a doubt for the clash while the likes of Jeremain Lens, Lee Cattermole and Duncan Watmore are ruled out.
Newcastle United vs Sunderland Match Prediction
Sunderland have astonishingly claimed six consecutive victories over Newcastle United and are unbeaten against their rivals in eight matches.
While such a brilliant record should give Sunderland confidence heading into Sunday’s encounter, they will be coming up against a Rafa Benitez led Newcastle side full of new optimism.
The atmosphere at St. James’ Park on the day should be feverish and although it may defy logic, a revitalized Newcastle may just end the rut against Sunderland with a narrow victory.
