• Sunderland have drawn three of their last six Premier League fixtures

• Newcastle had only scored three league away goals before thumping Everton 4-1

• Recommended bet: Draw and Under 2.5 Goals

Sunderland and Newcastle lock horns in a keenly anticipated Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday afternoon, with both teams desperate to secure local bragging rights.

The North-East's fierce foes have not met in the league for over a decade, so expect a particularly raucous atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.

The latest Sunderland vs Newcastle odds are available on LiveScore Bet

Team news

Both managers head into Sunday's key contest with multiple injury headaches.

Régis Le Bris is still without long-term absentee Habib Diarra, who is recovering after undergoing groin surgery in September.

Aji Alese is also missing, after the central defender developed a shoulder issue following January's horror leg break.

However, defensive duo Leo Hjelde and Dennis Cirkin are now approaching full fitness, with both players turning out for the club's Under-21s in recent weeks.

Reinildo is likely to be available after sitting out last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Man City, while Luke O'Nien starts a three-match suspension after receiving a straight red card at the Etihad.

Newcastle's treatment room is not quite as busy, but Eddie Howe will be disappointed not to have Nick Pope (groin), Kieran Trippier (hamstring), and Emil Krafth (knee) at his disposal.

It is unclear as to whether defender Sven Botman and forward William Osula are fit enough to feature, while summer signing Yoane Wissa made his long-awaited debut against Burnley.

The stats

Sunderland and Arsenal are the only teams in the Premier League not to have lost on home turf this season.

Although 14 of their 18 Premier League goals have been registered at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats are the division’s fifth-lowest scorers.

Newcastle registered a fourth league draw of the season against Tottenham at St. James’ Park less than a fortnight ago, but each of their first three stalemates came at opposing venues.

The last league meeting between these two great rivals ended 1-1, with Jermain Defoe and Aleksandar Mitrović getting on the scoresheet.

The latest Sunderland vs Newcastle odds are available on LiveScore Bet

Prediction

This one is extremely difficult to call, as both teams can build a pretty strong case as to why they will emerge triumphant on Sunday afternoon.

Despite a recent dip in form, Sunderland have made a highly impressive start to the campaign. The Wearsiders have won six games already, with four of these victories coming at the Stadium of Light.

Although Le Bris would undoubtedly like his team to be more clinical in the final third, the Frenchman can rely on a solid defensive base.

After an inconsistent sequence of results early on, the Magpies are now finding their stride.

With three wins in the last four and a guaranteed place in the Champions League knockout stages to celebrate, the Toon Army head into the derby in confident mood.

However, Howe's men have only managed to earn six points away from home so far, so are clearly vulnerable on their travels.

As a result, we expect a tense but ultimately entertaining tie.

Back the Draw and Under 2.5 Goals, available at 2.75/1 with LiveScore Bet