You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Crystal Palace v Man City" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Sunderland v Newcastle", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Sunderland v Newcastlepublished at 10:13 GMT 14 December 2025
10:13 GMT 14 December 2025
Sunderland have had the week off while Newcastle had to work so hard against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, only to let their lead slip away late on.
Apart from their brilliant performance against Everton a couple of weeks ago, Newcastle's away form hasn't been great, especially straight after they've played in the Champions League.
I am expecting that pattern to continue on Sunday, and their fatigue is likely to be a factor in how this game goes because of Sunderland's intensity.
We saw against Arsenal how relentless Regis le Bris's side are. They bullied the Gunners, and it was amazing to watch.
Everyone talks about how Granit Xhaka has been phenomenal for the Black Cats, and he has been brilliant, but Noah Sadiki, who plays alongside him in midfield, has also been one of the signings of the season and deserves some attention too.
I am expecting this to be the best game of the weekend, and I am also expecting Sunderland to win it.
Some derby games can be hyped up and then end up being disappointing, but I can't see this one letting anyone down.
I love the way Eddie Howe sets Newcastle up too, and he is a brilliant manager, but the Black Cats will take the bragging rights.
Club legend Rowell dies aged 68published at 23:25 GMT 13 December 2025
23:25 GMT 13 December 2025
Image source, Getty Images
Sunderland club legend Gary Rowell has died at the age of 68.
Rowell, who had leukaemia, died on Saturday afternoon - 50 years to the day he made his debut for the Black Cats.
As a midfielder, he scored 103 goals in 297 games for the club between 1972 and 1984.
A hat-trick in a 4-1 win over North East rivals Newcastle in 1979 earned Rowell iconic status at Sunderland, and he remains the last player to score a derby hat-trick for the club.
Sunderland, who face Newcastle at the Stadium of Light on Sunday (14:00 GMT), said in a statement: "Wearside will come together to celebrate his immense contribution to our club and remember his unforgettable time in red and white."
'The fall-out for Gullit was inevitable' - McNulty's favourite derbiespublished at 14:13 GMT 13 December 2025
14:13 GMT 13 December 2025
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
We asked our chief football writer Phil McNulty to give his most memorable derbies between Newcastle and Sunderland.
Read on to find out which ones he chose.
Newcastle United 1 Sunderland 2 – 25 August 1999
An infamous night on Tyneside when Newcastle's then manager Ruud Gullit dropped Alan Shearer, talisman and idol of The Toon Army, and Duncan Ferguson. Instead, Gullit preferred 20-year-old striker Paul Robinson - a former Sunderland season ticket holder - to his established strike duo.
It was a desperate throw of the dice by a manager whose hopes to bring 'sexy football' to Newcastle were fading. In fact, it was the decision that effectively ended Gullit's reign.
On a rain-lashed night, Kieron Dyer gave Newcastle a first-half lead, but Niall Quinn's header brought The Black Cats level after the interval.
Shearer was eventually brought on as a substitute with the score still level, but the momentum was now with Sunderland. Kevin Phillips scoring what turned out to be the winner.
The fall-out for Gullit and Newcastle was inevitable.
"I went barging into Ruud Gullit's office the following morning," recalled Shearer, "but Big Dunc had already beaten me to it and was tearing the paint off the walls."
Gullit, knowing the writing was on the wall, quit within days.
Di Canio reign 'will be remembered forever for one derby'published at 14:12 GMT 13 December 2025
14:12 GMT 13 December 2025
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle United 0-3 Sunderland – 14 April 2013
Paolo di Canio lasted just six months and 13 matches as Sunderland manager, but the Italian will be remembered forever for one particular derby.
Sunderland were harbouring relegation fears after Di Canio succeeded sacked Martin O'Neill, taking his side to St. James' Park for only his second match in charge.
It turned out to be a remarkable day as Sunderland got their first win on Tyneside in 13 years - Stephane Sessegnon opening the scoring in the first half before Adam Johnson and David Vaughan struck late on to spark wild celebrations among Black Cats fans.
Of course, they were led by Di Canio, most spectacularly with a knee slide celebration following Johnson's goal and animated gestures towards the travelling fans after the final whistle.
"I wanted to go far but I couldn't because I'm too old – I only have 20 yards in my legs now," Di Canio said.
The joy did not last, as his reign became characterised by fierce criticism of his own players.
Sunderland stayed up but Di Canio was sacked five league games into the next season with his side bottom of the table after defeat at West Bromwich Albion.
Sunderland v Newcastle: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:03 GMT 13 December 2025
13:03 GMT 13 December 2025
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
Sunderland prepare to host rivals Newcastle United in the first Wear-Tyne derby in the Premier League in nearly a decade.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes going into Sunday's meeting at the Stadium of Light.
Stadium of Fight
Sunderland's position heading into the Wear-Tyne derby may not have been predicted by too many of their supporters before the start of this campaign.
The Black Cats currently sit one point and three places higher than Newcastle United in ninth in the Premier League table and boast one of only two unbeaten home records in this season's competition.
Leaders Arsenal are the only other English top-flight side yet to lose at home and Sunderland's ability to bounce back in front of their own supporters has been key to their successful start.
Regis le Bris' side have recovered nine points from losing positions in home fixtures so far this season – at least two more than any other club.
Such resolve means Sunderland have amassed 15 points at home, which is already one point more than their overall home total during their most recent Premier League season in 2016-17.
Midfield battle
If Sunderland are to maintain their excellent record at the Stadium of Light, the midfield battle is likely to be key.
Captain Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki have been hugely impressive in Sunderland's engine room, starting every Premier League match together so far this season.
Xhaka has covered a league-high 167km, with Sadiki ranking third of all players on 166km.
Similar levels of energy are likely to be required in Sadiki's final game before he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations against a formidable Newcastle midfield, which usually boasts an additional player - although Sunderland may be boosted by the Magpies' preferred midfield trio having played in midweek.
Newcastle let another lead slip
Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali all played in the Champions League draw at Bayer Leverkusen, which was the latest example of Newcastle failing to turn a winning position into three points.
They conceded an equaliser in the 88th minute against Leverkusen and Alejandro Grimaldo's late goal is reflective of Newcastle's fragility in the Premier League.
Eddie Howe's side have dropped 11 points from winning positions, the joint most of any team alongside Brentford, with Anthony Gordon subsequently questioning the mentality of the Magpies on Wednesday.
Image caption,
No Premier League side has lost more points from winning positions than Newcastle this season
Howe also referenced the need to "stand up and be counted" following the European defeat, a mindset that will be required on Wearside this weekend.
Newcastle's head coach, however, is only focused on repeating the comprehensive FA Cup win at the Stadium of Light from two years ago.
"It means everything to me personally," he said. "I want to do the club, the city, our people proud.
"I want them to be proud of the team. I want to be proud of the players so that's my challenge over the next few days."
Your favourite derby momentspublished at 16:21 GMT 12 December 2025
16:21 GMT 12 December 2025
It's Wear-Tyne weekend!
On Sunday, Sunderland face Newcastle for the first time in the Premier League since 2016 and you have been sharing your favourite derby memories.
Here are a selection of your submissions:
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
24 February 1979: Newcastle 1-4 Sunderland
Carl: It's got to be 1979 at Sid James Park for me. Gary Rowell scored a hat-trick and Wayne 'the punk' Entwistle got the other as we beat the hosts 4-1. Sunderland fans were in the derelict Leazes End stand .
I worked with Wayne's wife and she got me a ticket through him. Unfortunately, it was in with the home supporters and I couldn't find the courage to show any emotion as we routed them. Meanwhile she was sat next to Bobby Kerr in what was then their new stand.
Chris: My best derby moment - 1990 at St James' Park when Marco [Gabbiadini] scored, chaos in the away end and the Mags tried to stop the game. Off to Wembley we went.
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
5 April 2015: Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle
Joe: My best memory of the derby has to be Jermain Defoe's wondergoal in April 2015. I was 11 at the time and right behind it in the South Stand.
I have very vivid memories of thinking: 'Don't hit that - why have you had a shot from there?' while the ball was in the air - as everything seemed to go in slow motion!
It seemed like nobody went inside for half-time, everybody kept singing and the atmosphere just built and built for the next hour. One of my favourite Sunderland experiences. What I'd give for a repeat on Sunday...!
Julius: I was there for the Wear-Tyne derby match in 2015-16 season when Jermaine Defoe scored that wonderful volley and it was a great atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.
Le Bris on Diarra, home advantage & Newcastlepublished at 14:49 GMT 12 December 2025
14:49 GMT 12 December 2025
Saffie Yates BBC Sport Journalist
Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Newcastle at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 14:00).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Le Bris confirmed Denis [Cirkin] is "ready" and has "trained properly" for two or three weeks: "He's connected with the group and it's good news because now we don't have many injuries."
He says Habib Diarra is close to returning from a groin injury before potentially going to the Africa Cup of Nations: "He will train with the group next week, fully train, ready to go. Probably needs one or two weeks to be at his best after a good rehab program and after that, depends on Afcon. We needed to build his fitness level and he will be ready. The decision is with the national team if they want to select the player for camp."
On tactics and flexibility: "We don't know the starting line-up of Newcastle, but they are consistent. Changes are still possible and we are consistent as well. We always know who will be the jewels on the pitch - we have different options. The knowledge of the squad now helps us be flexible. If the opponent find a solution, you can move to another option."
He added: "It's not always one v one - it's more two v two, three v threes everywhere. We try to explain their references, their habits, [so we can] anticipate and help the players."
He said playing Newcastle at home is a "privilege" Sunderland can use to their advantage: "We have had good experiences at Stadium of Light this season. It was loud, and I expect that it will be louder against Newcastle. So far, the players have used this energy really well, to raise the momentum, to push, to change the dynamic of the game. I hope that will be the case once again."
On Newcastle: "They are intense and well organised. They have good players. The bench is big as well, so they have a clear identity, but weaknesses like everyone in this league. So we'll try to exploit some of them, and I hope it will work."
On Sunderland's approach for the game: "If we think that the game will be easier because we had the good start to the season, I think it's a problem. If we play with ambition, with energy, then we'll be ready to manage different problems. We have try to stay grounded. It's always a balance to find the right level."
'Sunderland and Newcastle will be so up for it' - McNamarapublished at 12:12 GMT 12 December 2025
12:12 GMT 12 December 2025
BBC Radio 5 Live reporter Conor McNamara is looking forward to a "particularly fascinating" meeting between historic foes Newcastle and Sunderland.
Sunday's game at The Stadium of Light is their first Premier League meeting since 2016 and McNamara is especially interested given the current situations of both clubs.
"Newcastle have been through the ringer, they've had tough games lately," McNamara told the Commentators' View podcast. "In their last three games, they've conceded a late goal. There's going to be a bit of fatigue."
Newcastle are currently 12th in the Premier League after losing their past two games while Sunderland's form has faded somewhat after a bright start.
"Sunderland are in the top 10 and we've all been raving about what a great step up they've made - particularly in the context of recent years and how other clubs have struggled," McNamara said.
"But they've only had one win now in six games, so as great as they've been, people are going to think if they are going to start slipping off now."
Regardless of recent form, McNamara is confident the game will be an entertaining affair.
"Tyne-Wear derbies are always fascinating," he said. "This one particularly so. This fixture has come at a really nice time - they're going to be so up for it.
"This is one where you'll make an extra effort to be there early, you'll be in the stadium and you'll just savour that atmosphere around the ground before the game.
The greatest derby moments?published at 09:33 GMT 12 December 2025
09:33 GMT 12 December 2025
When you have a rivalry as fierce and as storied as Sunderland against Newcastle, you are never short of memorable moments.
With the derby set to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2016 on Sunday, we have taken a trip down Memory Lane to find some of the standout moments.
Image source, Getty Images
15 August 1999: Newcastle 1-2 Sunderland.
Neither team came into the match in great form, but there was particular pressure on Newcastle boss Ruud Gullit after three defeats in the opening four games.
The Dutchman dropped star striker Alan Shearer for the derby and, with the fans turning at 1-1, Gullit brought his England striker on.
However, it was Sunderland who were celebrating at the end of the match as Kevin Phillips scored to end the Black Cats' six-game winless run in the fixture.
Image source, Getty Images
17 April 2006: Sunderland 1-4 Newcastle
Despite rock-bottom Sunderland taking a first-half lead, it was Newcastle that came roaring back in the second to score four and secure a big win - their biggest since 1956 - over the Wearside rivals.
While not known at the time, Alan Shearer's penalty in the 61st minute would turn out to be his 206th - and final - goal for the Magpies.
Image source, Getty Images
25 October 2008: Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle
Heading into the first Tyne-Wear derby of the 2008-09 season, Sunderland had not beaten Newcastle at home since 1980.
Having seen Djibril Cisse's goal pegged back by Shola Ameobi, it looked like the Black Cats' bad run might continue but a free-kick on the edge of the box with 15 minutes to go gave hope.
Up stepped Kieran Richardson to score a stunner and send the home fans into raptures.
Image source, Getty Images
31 October 2010: Newcastle 5-1 Sunderland
It tuned into a nightmare at St James' Park for Sunderland on Halloween in 2010.
Tyne-Wear derbies are normally close affairs, but every now and again one of the side will offer up a humbling and this was one of those.
Kevin Nolan completed a famous hat-trick, while Ameobi - who enjoyed playing the Black Cats - scored a double to leave Magpies celebrating a famous 5-1 victory.
Image source, Getty Images
20 August 2011: Sunderland 0-1 Newcastle
It was an early clash of these north east titans in 2011 with the derby at the Stadium of Light coming in just the second match of the new season.
A quiet game was lit up by a superb curling free-kick from Newcastle full-back Ryan Taylor. It proved to be the winner and earned him his own "Ryan Taylor over the wall" chant.
Image source, Getty Images
5 April 2015: Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle
After a poor run of form cost manager Gus Poyet his job, the first home match for new boss Dick Advocaat was the derby at the Stadium of Light.
This was Jermain Defoe's first experience of the famous fixture having only joined in January but he made it memorable, spanking home a stunning volley just before half-time.
That proved to be the winner and was the catalyst for improved form that helped Sunderland stave off relegation at the end of the campaign.
Who makes a combined derby XI?published at 08:50 GMT 12 December 2025
08:50 GMT 12 December 2025
Media caption,
The chit chat going into the Tyne-Wear derby is at fever pitch.
Take in a lengthy clip above where BBC Radio Newcastle debate a combined XI from Sunday's two sides, using Sunderland fan Dylan Parry (Pazza) and Matthew from Black and White Banter.
'Tone of quiet optimism laced with natural fear'published at 08:06 GMT 12 December 2025
08:06 GMT 12 December 2025
Nick Barnes BBC Radio Newcastle Sunderland commentator
Image source, Getty Images
So what of this weekend's derby?
The narrative has shifted since the summer with Sunderland's excellent start to the season and the fact they are unbeaten at the Stadium of Light.
The nerves are palpable as they always are ahead of this fixture because, whilst Sunderland fans are confident, they are mindful that on their day Newcastle are a very good team.
This isn't the mismatch of the FA Cup tie in January 2024, but a meeting between two teams neck and neck in the Premier League. Fans I speak to wish me and Sunderland good luck before wishing me a Happy Christmas.
The priority is illustrative of the underlying nervousness and the importance the game has in people's lives on Wearside and beyond.
The overall tone is of quiet optimism but laced with the natural fear of losing a match which for many is one of the most important of the season.
And one which will dictate the narrative on the phone-ins, fan pages and in the office until the next one!
Return of the Wear-Tyne derby - send your favourite memoriespublished at 16:54 GMT 11 December 2025
16:54 GMT 11 December 2025
Image source, Getty Images
It is the match Sunderland and Newcastle fans have been waiting for since the Black Cats secured their return to the Premier League in May.
While the two sides did meet in the FA Cup back in January 2024, Sunday at the Stadium of Light will see the Tyne-Wear derby take place in the league for the first time in nearly 10 years.
The last time this historic fixture took place in that setting, the north-east rivals played out a 1-1 draw on 20 March 2016.
That season saw the Magpies relegated, while a Sunderland team then spearheaded by Sam Allardyce survived.
However, relegations and promotions for each club in the years since mean supporters have not been able to cheer their side on in this derby in any of the English divisions since that date.
While the overall record in the Tyne-Wear derby is a bit more difficult to quantify, when looking at the Premier League era alone, neither set of fans can claim the bragging rights with nine wins each from their 28 meetings.
But sometimes results don't always tell the full story, so we want to know what are your favourite moments from the famous derby?
A special goal? Memorable celebration? The first time seeing it live?
'My commentary notes dissolved to mush'published at 13:29 GMT 11 December 2025
13:29 GMT 11 December 2025
Nick Barnes BBC Radio Newcastle Sunderland commentator
Image source, Getty Images
This will be my 28th derby but it is the first I covered in August 1999 that is unquestionably the most memorable.
It was at St James' Park when the word 'biblical' to describe the weather was for once apposite. As was the battle that took place on and off the pitch.
The background to the game in 1999 was dominated by then-Newcastle manager Ruud Gullit's seemingly tumultuous dressing room - confirmed on the night when he dropped Alan Shearer and Duncan Ferguson and named them both as substitutes.
Rookie Paul Robinson started the game for Newcastle and the rain started to fall. The press box was deluged and water started to build up around our feet. Several reporters went into the media room to watch the game on television screens but that was not an option for us. We HAD to sit it out.
My commentary notes dissolved to mush. Towels were sought but were useless in the face of the growing flood. Newcastle had taken the lead through Kieron Dyer but Niall Quinn equalised not long after the hour mark.
There was talk of the match being abandoned. The pitch was a swimming pool and the conditions were worsening by the minute, but with 15 minutes left Kevin Phillips scored Sunderland's second.
Referee Graham Poll was left in an impossible position. To abandon the match would have incurred the wrath of both sets of supporters. He was left with no choice but to see it through until the end.
When I got home that night, I hung my jacket in the airing cupboard to dry out. It took two days to do so.
Gossip: Sunderland target Guendouzipublished at 07:54 GMT 11 December 2025
07:54 GMT 11 December 2025
Former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is a target for Sunderland, who have bid £21.4m for the France international, 26, who plays for Lazio. (Sunderland Echo), external
Will Adingra benefit from Afcon rejection?published at 12:55 GMT 10 December 2025
12:55 GMT 10 December 2025
Noel Sliney BBC Sport senior journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Simon Adingra was named Best Young Player at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations but the winger's omission from the Ivory Coast squad for the upcoming edition is symptomatic of his underwhelming time at Sunderland so far.
The 23-year-old has only started four games since his summer move from Brighton for an initial £18m and he is yet to score or provide an assist.
Since being substituted for tactical reasons after 37 minutes at Old Trafford on 4 October with Sunderland trailing 2-0, Adingra has been restricted to three appearances off the bench. His total playing time during that period amounts to a single half of football.
Adingra became a national hero in February last year, scoring a last-minute equaliser for Ivory Coast in their quarter-final against Mali and laying on both goals in their comeback victory against Nigeria in the final.
While he won't be in Morocco for the Ivory Coast's title defence, this year's Africa Cup of Nations still provides an opportunity for Adingra – with Sunderland. Club team-mate Bertrand Traoré has been selected by Burkino Faso for the tournament and fellow winger Chemsdine Talbi is expected to be part of Morocco's squad.
Both could be missing for seven Sunderland games after Sunday's Wear-Tyne derby and their absence means the Black Cats will lack options in the wide attacking areas.
Enzo Le Fee has performed well on the left this season and Eliezer Mayenda is an option on the right but, as the only fully fit out-and-out winger available over the festive period, Adingra will surely get a chance to reignite his career.
'Relief more than disappointment' at Man Citypublished at 08:59 GMT 9 December 2025
08:59 GMT 9 December 2025
Gavin Henderson Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
As someone who always looks for the positives, I went into the Manchester City game thinking Sunderland could play with freedom. The excellent results against Bournemouth and Liverpool meant a defeat at Etihad Stadium would not be disastrous – especially with the derby against Newcastle looming.
That optimism lasted until team news dropped. For the first time this season, I felt genuinely nervous. Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki were both one yellow away from suspension, and Reinildo's absence sparked fears of a serious injury.
Thankfully, all three will be fine for the derby, but the knowledge that one rash challenge could rule them out clearly affected their performances.
We lined up in the familiar 5-4-1, with Wilson Isidor and Bertrand Traore returning up front and Lutsharel Geertruida slotting into a reshuffled defence that saw Trai Hume switch to left-back and Nordi Mukiele to the right.
From the start, it was obvious the midfield duo were playing within themselves. Without their usual aggression, we could not press City as we have other big sides this season. Instead we sat deep, stayed compact and waited to counter-attack. For half an hour, it worked perfectly: City had plenty of possession but barely threatened, with Dan Ballard outstanding in keeping Erling Haaland quiet.
When we did break, our transitions were sharp and purposeful but City's individual quality told in the end and their quickfire two goals meant the game plan was shredded before half-time.
To our credit, Sunderland came out swinging after the break and we looked capable of getting back into it. Pushing forward left gaps though, and City killed the game with a glorious third.
With the points gone, protecting Xhaka and Sadiki was the priority and both were sensibly withdrawn, guaranteeing their availability for Newcastle. Playing without their trademark bite had neutered them all afternoon.
Late on, Luke O'Nien – making only his second appearance of the season – was sent off for an unnecessary lunge on Matheus Nunes in stoppage time. A needless red that rules him out of vital games once AFCON depletes the squad.
The final whistle brought relief more than disappointment. The away end immediately switched to Newcastle chants. Job done: key men preserved, no fresh injuries and eyes already on the derby.
