One of the most anticipated ties of the FA Cup third round sees Newcastle United and Sunderland renew hostilities on Saturday lunchtime for the first Tyne-Wear derby in seven years.
The FA Cup third round has thrown up some great match-ups this season, and one of the real standout fixtures is a first Wear-Tyne Derby since the 2015/16 season, as Newcastle United make the short trip to the Stadium of Light to face fierce rivals Sunderland.
Much has changed since the last meeting between these two clubs, with Sunderland dropping to League One and trying to claw their way back to the top flight, while Newcastle have also been relegated in that tenure but have ambitious new owners at the helm, which led this term to a return to the Champions League.
The Magpies are the overwhelming favourites to progress, but they have struggled of late. Miracle-worker Eddie Howe is under serious pressure after a torrid run of results. Their 4-2 defeat at Liverpool was their third in a row, and they have won one game in eight across all competitions.
They have seen them crash out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup, while also sitting ninth in the Premier League, which places extra emphasis on the importance of a deep FA Cup run.
Former Rangers flop Michael Beale was appointed as Sunderland manager, but after a dismal 3-0 home defeat to Coventry City on his debut, he has bounced back with two victories and a draw in his following three games. The Black Cats are currently in the play-off positions in the Championship, and will love nothing more than getting one over their rivals here.
The last meeting ended 1-1 in the Premier League, and the rivalry will be reignited on the pitch almost eight years later. Ahead of their latest meeting between the two sides, The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both sides.
Team News and Tactics
Sunderland
Sunderland defeated Preston at the weekend, and they did so without suffering any new injuries. That said, Patrick Roberts’ knock that ruled him out of that win will almost certainly keep him out of this one.
Bradley Dack (hamstring) is facing a month on the sidelines after he sustained an injury against Hull on Boxing Day, while Dennis Cirkin has had a setback in his recovery from a similar concern and will miss the Tyne-Wear showdown. Niall Huggins (knee), Corry Evans (ACL), and Jay Matete (knee) complete the hosts’ handful of injuries.
If Roberts’ could not come back in time for the weekend, another start will come the way of Alex Pritchard. Jack Clarke has been fundamental to their successful campaign to date. The left-winger has scored 12 league goals and will look to carry his form into this game.
Newcastle attempted to lure Jobe Bellingham to the club and were in contact with the player’s family. However, he moved to Sunderland and already has four goals this season from the attacking midfield position.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bishop; Hume, Ballard, O’Nien, Alese; Ekwah, Neil; Pritchard, Bellingham, Clarke; Rusyn
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe enters his first ever Tyne-Wear Derby with an injury-stricken squad, but this is nothing new for him this season. Callum Wilson missed the Liverpool defeat due to a calf injury and is unlikely to return in time, but Kieran Tripper (groin) stands a chance to return to the fold.
Nick Pope has suffered a long-term shoulder injury, while Joe Willock (calf), Nick Pope (shoulder), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Elliot Anderson (back), Harvey Barnes (foot), Matt Targett (thigh), and Javi Manquillo (groin) are all in the treatment room, while Sandro Tonali is a confirmed absentee due to a betting ban.
Manager Eddie Howe could be tempted to keep Martin Dubravka ahead of Loris Karius in between the sticks for this critical encounter. Although there is more hope for Trippier, who is tipped to make his return in this match, Howe may not want to risk his captain from the start.
Valentino Livramento has proven himself to be a more than worthy deputy at right-back, while Lewis Hall could be handed a rare start on the opposite flank. Fabian Schar will partner up with Jamaal Lascelles in central defence, and the duo would love a calm, clean sheet after shipping at a canter in recent games.
Young Lewis Miley has performed admirably in midfield, but Sean Longstaff is expected to take his place in this derby clash alongside mainstays Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. Alexander Isak will spearhead the attack with the support of Anthony Gordon, while Matt Ritchie could be handed rare minutes from the outset in a right-wing role.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Lascelles, Hall; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Ritchie, Isak, Gordon
Key Stats
Newcastle United are without a win in their last nine meetings with Sunderland in all competitions (D3, L6).
The Magpies have lost their last four FA Cup matches. They have gone out at the third-round stage in each of the last three seasons.
Sunderland have won their last two FA Cup ties against Newcastle, with this being the first such meeting since a 2-0 quarter-final victory in 1955–56.
The Black Cats have been eliminated from their last four FA Cup ties against Premier League opponents since a 1-0 win against Southampton in February 2014.
Sunderland’s FA Cup record at home is less impressive, and they have gone seven games without a win at the Stadium of Light in this competition.
Player to Watch
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak will be Newcastle’s main goal threat in the absence of Callum Wilson. The Swede has netted 12 goals this season, including in each of his last two games, despite the Magpies’ losing both matches. With his electric pace, dynamism, and flair, he can make life difficult for the Sunderland defenders’ at the Stadium of Light.
Prediction
Sunderland 1-2 Newcastle United
Despite not facing each other in a long while, the rivalry between the two North East clubs remains as fierce as ever, and that makes picking a clear winner a difficult task. Local pride is way bigger reward than FA Cup progress where these two are concerned, and that makes goals at both ends seem likely.
After the poor run the Magpies have been on, expect Eddie Howe to take this far more seriously than he may have done otherwise if Newcastle were flying. The Hard Tackle predicts a strong Newcastle lineup to get the job done in what is set to be a feisty affair at the Stadium of Light this Saturday.
