We’ve got a proper mid-table scrap on our hands to start Sunday’s English Premier League slate. Newcastle United and Sunderland are two points apart in the table and are looking to finish their seasons strongly. With the right points, European football could be in the cards for one of these two clubs. Who will come out the victor?
Newcastle is a -145 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Sunderland sits as a +400 underdog, and a draw is priced at +295. The over/under is set at 2.5 goals. Let’s get into a prediction and pick for Sunday’s matchup.
Newcastle vs. Sunderland Preview
It’s another strange season for Newcastle United. Last year, they surged into fifth place in the Premier League table, riding an elite season from Alexander Isak into a Champions League qualifying spot. They also secured their first trophy in decades by winning the Carabao Cup. A busy summer transfer window and a series of injuries have put a dampener on their season. They were eliminated in both domestic cups by Manchester City before being demolished in the Champions League Round of 16 by Spanish powerhouse Barcelona. No shame in any of those losses, but it leaves a bitter taste in their mouth.
And yet, Newcastle still has a chance at getting back into European football if they close the season strongly. That starts with taking all three points against a Sunderland team that has surprised the EPL world.
Sunderland were relegated from the Premier League in 2017, then dropped down to League One the following year. It has been an impressive rise back into the Premier League ranks, gaining two promotions in a four-year span. With 40 points in 30 games, Sunderland is 11 points clear of relegation and can start looking towards building a sustained Premier League run. Granit Xhaka has brought them consistency in midfield as he returns to the Prem.
Newcastle vs. Sunderland Pick, Best Bet
Sunday’s match will be an interesting clash of styles. Sunderland is tied for third in total goals allowed, yet they also have scored the third-fewest goals in the league. They want to get you down in the mud, grind the game out, and pull out whatever points possible. Newcastle, on the other hand, wants to spring their runners, such as Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy, and Harvey Barnes. Whoever sets the tone stylistically could end up the victor.
It may not result in a win, but I expect Sunderland’s style to exert a heavy influence over this game. They always find a way to limit the goals; case in point, six of their last seven matches have featured two or fewer goals. Count on that trend to continue on Sunday.
