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Sunderland are the hosts for this afternoon’s FA Cup third round clash as they welcome old enemies Newcastle United for the first Tyne-Wear derby in eight years.
This North East derby is an early kick off and one of the more alluring fixtures of the FA Cup weekend with both clubs on the ascendancy. Newcastle, though hit with injuries, are looking to secure European football this season while Sunderland sit sixth in the Championship.
As Eddie Howe and Michael Beale go head to head they will try to out think the other in what could potentially be a preview game for next year’s top flight. Sunderland have not faced Newcastle since they were relegated from the Premier League in 2016 though are well placed to challenge for promotion this year.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have not beaten Sunderland since 2011, and have lost six of their previous seven meetings against them between 2013 and 2016.
Follow all the action from the FA Cup below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
What is the team news?
Patrick Roberts is a doubt for the hosts after picking up a calf injury in the win over Preston on New Year’s Day. Niall Huggins, Corry Evans and Jay Matete are definitely out.
The visitors continue to struggle through an injury crisis, with Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier doubtful after missing the defeat at Liverpool. They joined a lengthy list that already included the likes of Nick Pope, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes and Matt Targett.
Mike Jones6 January 2024 11:10
How to watch Sunderland vs Newcastle
The FA Cup third round tie will kick off at 12:30pm GMT on Saturday 5 January at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland vs Newcastle will be shown live on ITV 1, with coverage starting from 12pm. It will also be available to stream live on ITV X.
Mike Jones6 January 2024 11:05
Sunderland vs Newcastle
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Tyne-Wear derby as Sunderland host Newcastle in the FA Cup third round.
This is the first time the two side have met since 2016 with Sunderland having the better memories of the recent clashes. They have not lost in any of the previous nine fixtures between the teams and won 3-0 in the last meeting at the Stadium of Light.
Newcastle have improved since then and Eddie Howe will hope to make up for an early Champions League exit by going on a strong FA Cup run. Sunderland’s priorities are on winning promotion to the Premier League but they will not pass up the chance to defeat their old rivals and should field a strong team this afternoon.
We’ll have all the updates, team news and match action throughout the day so with us as we build up to kick off at 12.45pm.
Mike Jones6 January 2024 11:00
