Sabasports Match Preview
Premier League,: Newcastle vs Sunderland
Kickoff Time: 2026-3-22 20:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Newcastle suffered a humiliating 2-7 defeat away to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, crashing out of the competition with an aggregate score of 3-8 over the two legs. Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali sustained a thigh strain in the match against Barcelona, dealing a major blow to Newcastle. Currently, Lewis Miley and Bruno Guimarães are still not fully fit, and with Tonali’s latest injury, Newcastle no longer has enough players capable of anchoring the team’s midfield interception and build-up play. It is also worth noting that Newcastle’s defence is stretched thin as well: Fabian Schär and Emil Krafth are both sidelined with injuries, putting the team’s defensive line under enormous pressure. Furthermore, competing twice a week and travelling back and forth between home and away games has taken a heavy toll on Newcastle’s fitness.
Sunderland lost 0-1 at home to Brighton in their previous match, suffering two consecutive defeats across all competitions and seeing their form dip. Statistically, Sunderland have scored 30 goals and conceded 35 in the league so far this season. While their attacking output is modest, their defensive record remains fairly solid. Sunderland play an aggressive, physical style built on high-intensity challenges and precise tackling discipline. Their compact defensive structure has made it difficult for many strong teams to break them down easily. Notably, although Sunderland’s open-play attack is average, their set-piece routines have become a lethal weapon, with efficient goals from dead-ball situations providing them with a crucial edge.
In the first league meeting between the two sides, Sunderland beat Newcastle 1-0 at home. Tactically, Newcastle are wary of Sunderland’s threat from set pieces. In addition, Newcastle are clearly at a physical disadvantage due to their congested fixture schedule. Taking all factors into account, Newcastle, despite playing at home, should not be overrated.
Newcastle ‘s Last 5 Games: LWDLW
26-03-15 Barcelona 7-2 Newcastle
26-03-15 Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
26-03-11 Newcastle 1-1 Barcelona
26-03-08 Newcastle 1-3 Manchester City
26-03-05 Newcastle 2-1 Manchester United
Sunderland‘s Last 5 Games: LLWDL
26-03-14 Sunderland 0-1 Brighton
26-03-08 Port Vale 1-0 Sunderland
26-03-04 Leeds United 0-1 Sunderland
26-02-28 Bournemouth 1-1 Sunderland
26-02-22 Sunderland 1-3 Fulham
Head-To-Head Record
25-12-14 Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle
24-01-06 Sunderland 0-3 Newcastle
16-03-20 Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland
15-10-25 Sunderland 3-0 Newcastle
15-04-05 Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle
Prediction: Sunderland to win away or draw