Sunderland vs Newcastle: Can Black Cats End Magpies' Unbeaten Run?

Newcastle United faces Sunderland in fierce Tyne-Wear derby

Sunderland and Newcastle United face off in the Tyne-Wear derby, with the Black Cats looking to extend their unbeaten home run.

“We are playing Newcastle at home, so ‌it's a privilege. We are so happy to live this experience...”

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris is expecting a lively atmosphere at the Stadium of Light on Sunday as his team hosts Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby. This will be the first league meeting between the two teams in over a decade, and Le Bris is hoping the home fans will create a electric atmosphere.

Sunderland are currently ninth in the Premier League table with 23 points, one point ahead of Newcastle. The Black Cats have been impressive at home, remaining unbeaten in their last seven games at the Stadium of Light. In contrast, Newcastle have struggled on the road, winning only once in their last seven away games.

Le Bris has praised the energy of the Sunderland fans, saying "We had good experiences at the Stadium of Light this season. It was loud, and I expect that it will be louder against Newcastle." He added, “At home, we have this advantage, and we have to make the most of it. So it will be important as usual.”

“We had good experiences at the Stadium of Light this season. It was loud, and I expect that it will be louder against Newcastle,” Frenchman Le Bris said on Friday.

“So far, the players use this energy really well, to raise the ⁠momentum, to push, to change the dynamic of the game, what was needed. So I ‌hope that will be the case once again.

“When you are on the pitch and you feel this energy, I can say that for us and for the opponent, the effect is massive.”

Sunderland's energy was palpable as they snatched a late draw against league leaders Arsenal, despite winning only once in their last six league games. The mood remains buoyant, thanks to Brian Brobbey's stoppage-time equalizer, which secured a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light.

This result extends Sunderland's unbeaten home run, with Regis Le Bris' side climbing to fourth place in the table. Arsenal, on the other hand, dropped points for the first time in six games, ending their five-match winning streak.

Key Highlights:

Sunderland's Late Comeback: Trailed 2-1 before Brobbey's 94th-minute equalizer

Arsenal's Frustration: Mikel Arteta's side failed to see out a win despite dominating the second half

Sunderland's Momentum: Remain unbeaten at home, with a dream start to the season.

The result has injected confidence into Sunderland, who are now looking forward to their next match against Fulham.

“We are playing Newcastle at home, so ‌it's a privilege. We are so happy to live this experience at the Stadium of Light against one of the best rivals in the league,” Le Bris said.

“At home, we have this advantage, and we have to make the most ⁠of it. So it will be important as usual.”

⚔️ RLB on the Wear-Tyne derby:

'We are ready to find the best version of Sunderland AFC. We play against the best teams every week, so this week is no different. Preparations have been connected with the right levels of analysis...' pic.twitter.com/6OoA2TI8G7

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) December 12, 2025

Newcastle United last beat Sunderland 3-0 in the FA Cup third round in January 2024, but they've struggled in league matches against their rivals, with their last win dating back to 2011. In fact, Sunderland has dominated the recent head-to-head encounters, winning six out of their last 10 league meetings. The Magpies are looking to break this streak, but Sunderland's recent form at home makes them a tough opponent.

Sunderland are getting a boost with left-back Reinildo back in training and available for the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle. Reinildo had been missing since last week's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City with a groin issue.

On the other hand, Newcastle is dealing with some injuries. Midfielder Joelinton is a doubt with a groin issue, while forward Yoane Wissa is struggling after being ill during the week. Wissa is technically available, but his ability to play a full match is uncertain.