Sunderland vs Newcastle Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 English FA Cup | Third Round
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THE FACTS
When is Sunderland vs Newcastle on and what time does it start? Sunderland vs Newcastle will take place on Saturday 6th January, 2024 – 12:45 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Sunderland vs Newcastle? Visit each team’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Sunderland vs Newcastle on in the UK? BBC and ITV share the rights to FA Cup matches so it is worth checking their schedules for Sunderland vs Newcastle
Where can I stream Sunderland vs Newcastle in the UK? If televised on BBC, Sunderland vs Newcastle can be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app. If televised on ITV, the match can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
SUNDERLAND
Sunderland are welcoming their arch-rivals to the Stadium of Light still bedding into the philosophy of a new head coach. Former Rangers boss Mick Beale took charge of the club mid-way through the month of December and, after a sticky start, things have begun to improve for The Black Cats as they sit in the top six in the Championship.
The Wearsiders come into this one on the back of a 2-0 defeat of Preston North End on New Year’s Day with first-half goals coming from Alex Pritchard and Nikita Rusyn. They have collected seven points from their last three matches over the festive period and will now turn their attention to what would be a marquee result.
NEWCASTLE
In a perfect world, Eddie Howe would head into the FA Cup third round weekend with the intention to rest and rotate his big hitters but the pressure is now very much on the former AFC Bournemouth boss. Last month’s elimination from European football as well as the EFL Cup means that an improvement upon last season’s EFL Cup final and fourth place finish is very unlikely.
The Magpies began 2024 with a 4-2 defeat at Anfield against Liverpool on New Year’s Day as they slip firmly into the middle-of-the-table in the Premier League. The visitors were also beaten by both Nottingham Forest and Luton Town over the festive period and they have now managed just one win in their last eight matches across all competitions.
THE TEAM NEWS
SUNDERLAND
Mick Beale will be missing some key men for this weekend’s visit of Newcastle with Dennis Cirkin, who had seemingly recovered from a hamstring injury, now looking set to be sidelined again after aggravating the same injury.
As well as Cirkin, Bradley Dack, Niall Huggins, Corry Evans and Elliot Embleton remain unavailable due to injury, whilst Hemir is out with illness with Patrick Roberts also doubtful. Jay Matete has returned from injury for The Black Cats, though.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Patterson; Hume, O’Nien, Ballard, Alese; Ekwah, Neil; Pritchard, Bellingham, Clarke; Rusyn
UNAVAILABLE: Cirkin (Injured), Dack (Injured), Huggins (Injured), Embleton (Injured), Evans (Injured), Hemir (Illness)
QUESTIONABLE: Roberts (Injured)
NEWCASTLE
Eddie Howe’s injury issues have been well documented, none more so than by himself at nearly every opportunity, and Newcastle are struggling once again. Out-of-form Kieran Trippier missed the game against Liverpool on Monday and is also a doubt for this weekend with a groin injury.
Trippier could be joining Callum Wilson, Nick Pope, Javi Manquillo, Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson, Matt Targett and Jacob Murphy on the sidelines with injury, whilst Sandro Tonali remains unavailable for the foreseeable due to suspension.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Botman, Burn; Miley, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Gordon, Isak, Joelinton
UNAVAILABLE: Wilson (Injured), Pope (Injured), Manquillo (Injured), Barnes (Injured), Anderson (Injured), Targett (Injured), Murphy (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Trippier (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
There is a lot of excitement from the neutral about this clash as it is the first Tyne-Wear Derby in eight years and the two sides have gone on very different journeys in that near decade. Sunderland will really fancy their chances as they welcome a seemingly completely shot Newcastle side. Beale’s appointment was not necessarily viewed with scepticism but more just outright derision by supporters but a win in this game would turn most, if not all, around. Newcastle will come under pressure in this game and them keeping a clean sheet just seems simply very unlikely. As a result, an entertaining Saturday lunchtime clash should be in store.
TIP: OVER 2.5 GOALS
