Ladbrokes previews Newcastle vs Sunderland in the Premier League
Newcastle backed to win the first Tyne-Wear derby at St. James' Park since 2016
Anthony Elanga tipped to score his first Premier League goal of the season
Ladbrokes brings you an in-depth match preview for Newcastle vs Sunderland including predictions, lineups and expert bet builder tips.
St. James' Park plays host to a Tyne-Wear derby for the first time since 2016, and with Newcastle needing a reaction to their Champions League thumping in midweek, this one is set up to be a Premier League classic.
Newcastle fans will be hoping that Anthony Elanga's brace at the Nou Camp is a sign of things to come from the 23-year-old, and with the Swede oozing confidence following his Champions League exploits, we're tipping him to score his first Premier League goal of the season this weekend.
The Tyne-Wear derby is a time for players to step up and write their names into footballing folklore, and despite not yet delivering for his new side on the domestic front, Elanga looks primed to cause a potentially weakened Sunderland side some real problems on Sunday.
The electric winger has never been a huge goal threat, only averaging a shot every other game in a Newcastle shirt, but in a game where intensity will be the order of the day, his pace and directness will lead to a chance or two - and we're backing him to take one.
Habib Diarra to have 2+ shots vs Newcastle
While the Tyne-Wear derby will likely be a nervy affair, with neither team wanting to lose to their fierce rivals, we're expecting Sunderland to try and unsettle their hosts with some dangerous attacks - so Ladbrokes is tipping Habib Diarra to have at least two shots at St. James' Park.
The attacking midfielder has had an excellent first season in England, becoming a key cog in Sunderland's midfield, and with the Senegal international averaging more than a shot per 90 in the Premier League this term, he'll be right at the heart of everything the visitors do against Newcastle.
Diarra has had at least one shot in each of his last six games across all competitions, and on a big occasion at St. James' Park, we're tipping him to be a real threat - so Habib Diarra to have 2+ shots is our pick.
Trai Hume to be shown a card at St. James' Park
Newcastle vs Sunderland is sure to be a full-blooded affair, with 52,000 raucous fans creating an incredible atmosphere, so we're expecting some cards - and we're tipping Sunderland's utility man Trai Hume to be shown one of them.
The 24-year-old has been deployed in a number of positions by manager Regis Le Bris this term, and with our experts predicting him to start at left back, he seems a smart pick here - with a confident Anthony Elanga potentially lining up directly against him.
Hume has racked up seven Premier League bookings this term, and with the Northern Irishman averaging almost two tackles per game, he's going to be setting the tone in a committed Sunderland performance - and we're expecting a yellow card to be shown his way.
Newcastle to win at home to Sunderland
Rounding off our Newcastle vs Sunderland preview and predictions, we're backing Eddie Howe's hosts to put their midweek mauling behind them and beat Sunderland on an intense afternoon at St. James' Park.
Back-to-back Premier League wins against Man United and Chelsea have firmly reignited Newcastle's top-four push, and despite struggling massively for any sort of consistency, they should have too much for their visitors.
With just three wins from their last 14 Premier League games, Sunderland come into the derby in lowly form, and while they haven't lost at St. James' Park since 2010, our experts are expecting this Tyne-Wear derby to be a step too far for the Mackems.
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When is Newcastle vs Sunderland?
Newcastle vs Sunderland takes place on Sunday, 22 March, with kick-off scheduled for 12:00 GMT.
Where can I watch Newcastle vs Sunderland?
Newcastle vs Sunderland will be shown live on Sky Sports for UK viewers.
Can you bet on Newcastle vs Sunderland?
Ladbrokes are offering customers the chance to bet on a number of Newcastle vs Sunderland markets, including match result, both teams to score and goalscorers.
