
Sunderland face arch-rivals Newcastle on Sunday afternoon with just one point separating them after 15 matches. Will the Black Cats continue their incredible home form against Eddie Howe's Magpies or will the Toon Army be the first team to triumph at the Stadium of Light?
Our Premier League expert Nathan Joyes provides us with his best bet for this mouthwatering clash.
Sunderland have certainly been the surprise package this season. Although investing heavily, it's another thing getting the team to click on the pitch and so far, so good for the Black Cats.
They do head into this key match on the back of a 3-0 defeat against Man City, but it has been there home form which is why they are in a comfortable position as we approach Christmas.
Unbeaten in seven collecting 15 points, Sunderland have scored 14 goals and only conceding seven. Only four clubs have conceded less in front of their supporters.
They have, however, conceded four from their last two matches, albeit against Arsenal and Bournemouth where the Black Cats still picked up four points. With just one clean sheet from their last five at home, it's something they will need to be mindful of.
Newcastle make the short trip to the Stadium of Light unbeaten in their last four. They did, however, depart Germany midweek with just one point in the Champions League against Leverkusen.
Having come back from a goal behind to lead 2-1, Howe's side were frustrated, conceding with just two minutes left on the clock.
Away from home Newcastle have struggled this campaign, winning just two of their 10 matches. Both were emphatic victories against Union SG (4-0) and Everton (4-1) - and they have scored in their last seven games on their travels.
Going forward, Howe has perfected his tactics. Yet defensively there's plenty of work left to do if they are to have a successful campaign.
Sunderland and Newcastle did meet in the FA Cup at the Stadium of Light last season, where it was the visitors who came away with the bragging rights with a 3-0 victory. That was their first meeting since 2016, but also Newcastle's first win in Sunderland's back yard since 2011.
This eagerly anticipated match has been a long time coming - but will it live up to expectations? Sunderland will be hard to break down at home while Newcastle will be desperate to be the first team to win at the Stadium of Light this season.
Nathan Joyes has analysed the Premier League betting for this match and provides his best bet.
Sunderland (11/5 with Betfred) will look to shake off their heavy defeat against Man City and fully concentrate on their biggest game of the season. Although unbeaten at home, Sunderland have drawn three of their last five and have kept just one clean sheet which came against Wolves.
Newcastle (13/10) with Betano) are in fact favourites despite only winning one of their last five away matches - and have had less time to prepare for the match due to their match against Leverkusen in the Champions League.
And while Sunderland are struggling to keep clean sheets - and Newcastle also defensively vulnerable - neither side will want to lose this fixture.
Sunderland have rode their luck a little in recent weeks and that might catch up with them sooner rather than later, but Newcastle shouldn't be favourites despite unbeaten in four. That can extend to five and both can share the points on Sunday.
TIP: Draw at 12/5 with BetMGM.
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