Newcastle vs Sunderland: Latest Team News and Predicted Lineups

The Tyne-Wear derby is back!. Sunday sees Sunderland travel to Newcastle for the first time since 2016, and with a derby win in the reverse fixture still fresh in the minds, they will be hoping to extend their unbeaten league run against their bitter rivals. The home side are favourites, and the Magpies fans will be desperate for a victory after a dismal run in this fixture, having not won against the Black Cats in the league in ten attempts.

This is one of football’s fiercest derbies, one steeped in history and intensity. Form is irrelevant, and it could be the team that holds their nerve and plays the game, not the occasion, that ends up with not only three points but bragging rights until the next time they collide.

Last Word on Football brings you the latest team news and predicted lineups ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby

Tyne-Wear Derby – Newcastle vs Sunderland: Latest Team News and Predicted Lineups

Date: Saturday, 22nd March 2026
Venue: St James’ Park
Kick-off: 12:00 GMT
Last meeting: Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle, 14th December 2025, Premier League
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Current odds: Newcastle 8/13, Sunderland 10/3 (Sky Bet)

Newcastle Team News

Eddie Howe’s only doubt is over midfielder Sandro Tonali, who was substituted last time out due to a hip and groin issue. A late fitness test is expected, but it could be too much of a risk to play the Italian.

Definitely out are Bruno Guimaraes (hamstring), Lewis Miley (muscle damage), Fabian Schar (ankle), and Emil Krath (knee).

Speaking ahead of the game, Magpie boss Howe spoke about how they need to perform. He said: “We know how tough the game was against them earlier in the season, and we need to use that experience of the first game, the emotions we felt afterwards. We are focused on delivering a really good performance.” “We need to perform.”

Sunderland Team News

The Black Cats will give late fitness tests to four key players. Robin Roefs, Dan Ballard, Nordi Mukiele, and Enzo Le Fee. Keeper Roefs has been missing for the past three games with a hamstring injury, defender Mukiele has missed the last four with a calf injury, Enzo Le Fee was absent for the last game against Brighton and Dan Ballard was substituted in that game due to discomfort in his hamstring. Out of the four, Ballard and Le Fee are the most likely to feature.

Head coach Regis Le Bris spoke about the players in a race to be fit. He said: “We have a late assessment because they are working hard behind the scenes, getting ready for this fixture. It’s really important for us. It might be a pure medical decision. We won’t take unnecessary risks. There are still seven games after this one and an international break to manage the last part of the rehab, if necessary.”

In better news, fullback Reinildo should be fit to return to the starting lineup after recovering from a knee injury.

Definitely out of the game are Bertrand Traore (knee), Romaine Mundle (hamstring), Jocelin Ta Bi (ankle), and Nilson Angulo.

Newcastle Predicted Lineup

Ramsdale

Liveramento

Thiaw

Burn

Hall

Ramsey

Tonali

Joelinton

Elanga

Gordon

Barnes

Sunderland Predicted Lineup

Ellborg

Hume

Ballard

Alderete

Reinildo

Xhaka

Sadiki

Diarra

Rigg

Le Fee

Brobbey