NEWCASTLE UNITED are surely one defeat away from a major crisis and no club would rather plunge them into panic mode than bitter rivals Sunderland in Saturday's FA Cup clash.
The first Tyne and Wear derby for eight years sees the Geordies and all their riches travel the short distance to the Stadium of Light where they will be backed by 6,000 fans who will be bussed in and out from St James' Park for the first FA Cup tie between the teams in 60 years.
But all the money in the world can't stop injuries and Newcastle continue to be plagued by them with ten players set to be missing including key men Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier as well as long-term victims like Harvey Barnes.
Eddie Howe is under serious pressure after a dismal run – their 4-2 defeat at Liverpool was their third in a row and they have won one game in eight.
Sunderland fans were unhappy at the appointment of former Rangers flop boss Michael Beale but after a disastrous 3-0 home defeat to Coventry City on his bow, he has bounced back with two wins and a draw in his next three games.
The Black Cats are currently in the play-off positions in the Championship.
How the bookies view it
Newcastle are strong odds-on favourites across the board and 4/5 with 10bet is the closest price to evens.
Sunderland can be backed at 10/3 with 888sport and the draw is 14/5 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
The rivals haven't played each other for eight years as stated, but Newcastle have a really poor recent record. The Mackems are unbeaten in the last nine meetings and have won six of the last seven.
Players to watch
Nazariy Rusyn finally bagged his first goal for Sunderland in his last game against Preston North End and the Ukrainian striker is 10/3 to score anytime with BetVictor.
Alexander Isak will be Newcastle's main goal threat with the absence of Wilson. The Swede has netted 12 goals this season including in each of his last two games, He is 7/5 to score anytime with UniBet.
Anything else catch the eye?
You can't be backing Newcastle on current form, with a huge injury list and at a raucous Stadium of Light. The call is for the Black Cats to get either a draw or a win at 11/10 with Boylesports.
The hosts have a young side, but the Toon Army have looked very vulnerable recently with teams having a real go at them. Newcastle are also notoriously poor travellers having won just one game in the league away from Tyneside all season and that was at Sheffield United in September.
With such a huge away support, there should be a cracking atmosphere and that should lead to meaty challenges and cards…lots of them.
Go for a red card in the game at 5/2 with bet365.
This FA Cup match between Sunderland and Newcastle United will be played on Jan 6, 2024 and kick off at 12:45. Check below for our tipsters best Sunderland vs Newcastle United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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