Newcastle host fierce rivals Sunderland in the 139th League edition of the Tyne Wear Derby.

The Geordie's come into this huge game with the worst preparation possible, after two four goal drubbings by both North London clubs in the past week, with the latter loss to Spurs meaning their long trophy drought continues. 

Newcastle have history on their side in the fixture in terms of the Premier League era, but under current manager, Alan Pardew, the Magpies have only manged to win one of seven games against the old enemy, with their last win in the fixture coming in August 2011 away from home.

However, Sunderland also come into the Derby fairly low on confidence due to no wins in their last six and only two all season. It's only down to their specialism of drawing games that they're not in the bottom three, with Gus Poyet's side picking up 10 points from draws this season.

Sunderland perhaps will be the more fancied coming into this one though. as they've won the last three derbies including back to back 3-0 wins at St James Park, and have picked up four of their six Derby victories in the Premier League era away from home, while manger Gus Poyet has a great personal record against Newcastle as a manger and player.

Team news

21-year-old keeper Jack Alnwick is fit enough to play in this one despite injuring his shoulder at Spurs, so will continue to deputise for both Rob Elliot and Tim Krul.

Also Alan Pardew will have Moussa Sissoko, Cheick Tiote, Steven Taylor and Papiss Cisse back after short term injuries while Daryl Janmaat returns from suspension.

Emanule Giaccherini should be able to play some part in the game after a long layoff while the game will come too soon for Billy Jones who has a hamstring problem.

Stats

If Sunderland can win on Sunday it would be the first time they've beaten Newcastle four times in a row in the league.

Newcastle have only led at half time in one of their 16 league games this season.

Sunderland's ten draws this season are the joint most in league history after 16 games of a season, tied with Ipswich Town who did it in (1992-93).

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About the author
Jamie Joslyn
20 year old sports journalism at Sunderland University, huge Sunderland fan