Newcastle United vs Sunderland: TV channel, referee, VAR, streaming and early team news
Everything you need to know ahead of Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park as Sunderland look to do the double
The Tyne-Wear derby remains one of the fiercest rivalries in English football, and Sunday’s meeting promises another intense chapter.
With Sunderland battling injuries and Newcastle juggling a demanding schedule, both sides head into the clash knowing the stakes are always higher when the two North East rivals meet. Here, we take you through everything you need to know ahead of the game:
When is Newcastle United vs Sunderland?
The Tyne-Wear derby takes place on Sunday, 22 March 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 12:00pm at St James’ Park. The clash sees Sunderland make the short trip to Tyneside for one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in English football following their return to the Premier League.
Is Newcastle United vs Sunderland on TV?
Yes. The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports. Supporters will be able to watch the derby on:
- Sky Sports Main Event
- Sky Sports Premier League
- Sky Sports Ultra HDR
Coverage will begin well before kick-off with extensive build-up, analysis and post-match reaction.
How can fans stream the Newcastle United vs Sunderland?
Subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Fans without a Sky Sports subscription can also watch the game through NOW TV, which offers day passes and monthly sports passes.
Who is the referee for Newcastle United vs Sunderland?
The Premier League have confirmed that Anthony Taylor will take charge of Sunday’s derby. He will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, while Andy Madley has been appointed as the fourth official. Paul Howard will oversee the game as VAR, with Sian Massey-Ellis serving as assistant VAR. Taylor is one of the Premier League’s most experienced referees and regularly officiates high-profile fixtures.
Sunderland early team news ahead of Newcastle United clash
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has admitted his squad are “struggling” with injuries ahead of the trip to St James’ Park. The Black Cats were beaten 1-0 by Brighton at the Stadium of Light last weekend, with former Newcastle winger Yankuba Minteh scoring the only goal of the game.
After the match, Le Bris outlined the challenges his squad are currently facing. “It wasn't possible [to bring Wilson Isidor on] because he got an injury,” he said. “We were really on the edge. We were cautious. We could have pushed him, but it was risky. Rather than taking risks, it was the case for Brian [Brobbey] as well.
“Brian can go all the way, but because we pushed until the end rather than keeping 65-70 minutes because it was the load expected. At the minute, we are struggling a bit. We are just on the edge, but we try our best to keep the team safe.”
Several players are now racing to be fit for the derby. Robin Roefs and Nordi Mukiele both missed the defeat to Brighton but could yet return, while Reinildo Mandava is expected to train again this week. Le Bris also offered an update on other injured players.
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“Dan (Ballard) had discomfort with his hamstring, so we hope it isn't too serious,” he said. “We expect Enzo [Le Fee] to be ready for Newcastle; it might be possible. For Nilson [Angulo], we'll have to wait at least four to six weeks.
“Nordi [Mukiele] is getting better, we'll see for next week. It's always the same: you can take the risk, he might play against Newcastle, but if we lose him for eight weeks after, it doesn't make sense. We are always on the edge, so we'll try to manage the situation properly.”
Newcastle United early team news ahead of Sunderland game
Newcastle United also have a number of injury concerns heading into Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby, with several first-team players either ruled out or being assessed ahead of the clash with Sunderland.
Midfielder Bruno Guimarães will definitely miss the game. The Brazil international has travelled with the squad to Barcelona for their midweek Champions League tie but will not feature as he continues his recovery from a thigh problem. He is expected to return after the upcoming international break. Defender Fabian Schär remains sidelined following ankle surgery earlier this year. The Switzerland international is not expected back until April, leaving Eddie Howe without one of his most experienced centre-backs.
Emil Krafth is also ruled out after undergoing knee surgery in February, with the defender expected to miss the remainder of the season. Young midfielder Lewis Miley is a doubt rather than a confirmed absentee as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury. The teenager has returned to running but has not yet fully rejoined group training. Elsewhere, Sandro Tonali is currently being assessed after missing Newcastle’s recent win over Chelsea due to illness, while Joseph Willock is also under evaluation as he manages a groin issue.
Newcastle’s midweek Champions League match against Barcelona could play a role in clarifying the injury situation further, with Howe expected to provide a clearer update on the fitness of several players ahead of Sunday’s derby against Sunderland.