Newcastle United Form
Newcastle United have produced two excellent performances in their last two Premier League matches, not only taking maximum points but also beating opponents from the top group. First, they overcame Manchester United at home, who had gone a long time without losing (2:1), and then they surprisingly managed to see off Chelsea away from home (1:0). Incidentally, before facing the Londoners, the club had conceded in seven consecutive Premier League games. As a result, they have slightly improved their position in the standings – the team are currently ninth, but now sit just seven points off the top five.
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of the club’s last 7 Premier League matches.
- Both teams have scored in 6 of Newcastle United’s last 7 league games.
- The team have avoided defeat in 9 of their last 12 Premier League matches (7 wins and 2 draws).
Potential Newcastle United Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Nick Pope – Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Valentino Livramento, Malick Thiaw – Joe Willock, Jacob Ramsey – Harvey Barnes, Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade – Anthony Gordon.
Defenders Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth, along with midfielders Lewis Miley and Bruno Guimaraes, will miss the match through injury.
Sunderland AFC Form
In essence, Sunderland AFC have already achieved their main objective for this season – they have collected 40 points, which is more than enough to ensure they can start the Premier League again in August. A small chance of pushing for European qualification still remains (they are five points off the top seven), but the club’s current form is frankly underwhelming. In their last six league matches, Sunderland AFC have managed only one win (1 draw and 4 defeats). Even at home, the team have started dropping points regularly. In the previous round, the club lost at home to Brighton & Hove Albion (0:1), which was their third straight home defeat in the Premier League. It is also worth noting that matches involving Sunderland AFC are the dullest in the division – an average of 2.2 goals are scored.
- The team have failed to win 11 of their last 14 Premier League matches (5 draws and 6 defeats).
- At least one of the sides failed to score in 5 of Sunderland AFC’s previous 7 Premier League games.
- In their last 10 away Premier League matches, the club have not scored more than once in any game.
Potential Sunderland AFC Lineup (4-1-4-1)*
Melker Ellborg – Omar Alderete, Lutsharel Geertruida, Daniel Ballard, Trai Hume – Granit Xhaka – Habib Diarra, Chemsdine Talbi, Chris Rigg, Noah Sadiki – Eliezer Mayenda.
Defender Bertrand Traore and midfielder Joselen Ta Bi will miss the match due to injuries.
Match Officials
Anthony Taylor (England)
Matches – 23 (the Premier League, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 89;
Yellow cards per match on average – 3.9;
Red cards shown – 2;
Fouls per match on average – 20;
Penalties – 13%.
* For each team, the starting XI listed is from their previous match in this competition.
