Sunderland vs Newcastle tips and predictions: No fairytale at the Stadium of Light

Six thousand Geordies head to the Stadium of Light to watch their out-of-sorts side, who have struggled in the FA Cup recently, face their rivals from a league below, what could go wrong?

You may think this has shock written all over it because the Magpies are winless in seven of eight overall and their last eight on their travels.

The return of Sven Botman, Dan Burn and others did little to sure up their flailing defence as Liverpool produced a recording-breaking 7.11xG at Anfield on New Year’s Day.

On the other hand, Sunderland produced one of their more controlled home performances as they beat Preston 2-0 and limited them to three shots on target.

With everything pointing towards this being a tricky afternoon, it’s worth considering the odds on offer. To us, they beg the question have the bookies gone too far?

Sunderland were 12/5 (3.4) to beat Southampton at home earlier in the season. At the time of writing, they’ve been backed into 31/10 (4.10) with Planet Sport Bet to beat Newcastle.

We know there’s a bigger gulf in class between a Champions League team and any Championship side, so it feels like the occasion is being given too much consideration.

That isn’t to say they won’t get on the scoresheet and make life difficult. Jack Clarke has terrorised teams and Sunderland’s youthful naivety won’t allow for any fear to creep in.

However, that same naivety may seem them come unstuck late in the game against a very physical, experienced and talented group, so we’re going for goals and an away win.

 

Key stats

- Sunderland have won one of their previous 10 home cup ties
- Sunderland are unbeaten in nine meetings, but they were all in the Premier League
- Newcastle haven’t lost four games in a row since the Steve Bruce era
- Alexander Isak is Newcastle’s top scorer with 11 in all competitions

 

Suggested bets

Newcastle over 1.5 goals

Alexander Isak to score

Newcastle to win