Sunderland sit one point and three places above their arch rivals Newcastle, heading into the first Tyne-Wear derby of the season. The Black Cats have won six of their 15 league games, and four of those victories have arrived at the Stadium of Light. Over 2.5 goals have been produced in three of the hosts' last five fixtures, and both teams have scored in five of their last seven outings.
Sunderland might have lost the most recent encounter between these two clubs, but Sunday's hosts have won six of the last eight Tyne-Wear derbies. Five of the last eight head-to-heads between the pair have produced over 2.5 goals, and we haven't had a goalless draw between the two clubs since 1985.
Newcastle have won six times in the Premier League this season, but only one of those victories has come away from St James' Park. Eddie Howe's side have lost four of their last six away games across all competitions. Both teams have scored, and over 2.5 goals have been produced in each of Newcastle's last seven matches in league and cup.
We're backing Sunderland to make the most of their home advantage against their local rivals, and to secure a narrow 2-1 victory.
Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle
