Sunderland vs Newcastle United: TV coverage, kick-off time, how to watch, radio details and team news
Everything you need to know on Sunderland vs Newcastle, including TV details, kick-off time and team news for Sunday’s derby...
Sunderland welcome Newcastle United to the Stadium of Light this weekend in a highly anticipated Wear-Tyne derby, with the city braced for one of its biggest fixtures in over a decade.
The game is scheduled for Sunday, kicking off at 2pm, with a capacity crowd expected as Régis Le Bris’ side meets Eddie Howe’s visitors on home soil in the league for the first time since 2017. Here’s everything else you need to know ahead of the Wear-Tyne derby:
How to watch Sunderland vs Newcastle United on TV and online
Sky Sports hold the broadcast rights, meaning the derby will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Supporters can also stream the game via Sky Go if included in their subscription. Those tuning in through radio can follow full commentary through BBC Radio Newcastle, while The Echo will run extensive matchday coverage from early morning until well after the final whistle.
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Who will referee Sunderland vs Newcastle United?
Peter Bankes has been appointed to referee the Premier League clash. Eddie Smart and Blake Antrobus will run the lines, while Simon Hooper has been confirmed as fourth official. Stuart Attwell will oversee VAR at Stockley Park, assisted by Alex Chilowicz.
Sunderland team news latest ahead of Newcastle United game
Régis Le Bris will be without Aji Alese, who continues his recovery from a shoulder issue, and Luke O’Nien, who serves a suspension. The head coach is also monitoring Reinildo, who missed the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City with what was described as a minor groin injury. As things stand, he is expected to be fit. With AFCON approaching, the squad remains intact for now, meaning Sunderland could still field their full attacking options before players depart for international duty. Habib Diarra is also likely to miss the game as his return from injury continues. Reinildo, however, will likely be fit for the clash.
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Newcastle team news latest ahead of Sunderland game at Stadium of Light
Newcastle will travel without several key figures. Kieran Trippier (thigh), Nick Pope (hip), Sven Botman (back) and William Osula (ankle) are all definitely ruled out, leaving Eddie Howe with decisions to make across the pitch. There is hope that Emil Krafth could return to availability after a spell on the sidelines, though the Magpies remain short in some defensive and rotational areas. Recent training focus has centred on set-piece organisation after conceding from dead-ball situations in recent matches.
The build-up continues throughout the week as Wearside prepares for a derby crackling with narrative, atmosphere and tension. Whether watching from home, listening in or following every kick with us, Sunderland supporters can expect full coverage across matchday on the Sunderland Echo as one of the fixtures of the season finally arrives.
Police and travel advice for Sunderland vs Newcastle United
Northumbria Police say extensive planning has been carried out to ensure supporters can enjoy Sunday’s Wear-Tyne derby safely. A spokesperson confirmed that discussions have taken place for weeks to prepare a large-scale operation involving multiple agencies, including Nexus, British Transport Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, the North East Ambulance Service and both clubs.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Ever since the fixture was announced, extensive discussions have been held with all parties, and planning has been ongoing to facilitate the safe delivery of the game. The wider policing operation will be supported by partners at Nexus, British Transport Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, and the North East Ambulance Service – as well as both football clubs. While a large proportion of away fans are being transported via coach to the Stadium of Light, the remainder will be able to make their own way to the match.”
To help manage the movement of fans and reduce congestion, temporary changes will be made to Metro services before and after the game. Any southbound Metro trains heading towards the Stadium of Light will not stop at Stadium of Light station. Trains travelling northbound from South Hylton will not stop at St Peter’s either. After full-time, home fans will need to use Stadium of Light station, with St Peter’s remaining closed for safety and crowd management.
Kevin Storey, Operations Director at Nexus, said: “The Tyne and Wear Metro will have a significant role to play in helping supporters get to and from the derby game at the Stadium of Light on Sunday. We have worked closely with Northumbria Police and our other partners on the transport plans for the match so that all our customers can have a safe and enjoyable day. We are looking forward to supporting the event and would ask that all supporters follow the travel advice set down by the police, Nexus, and by both football clubs. This will help to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and that the event stays trouble free.”
Supporters should expect a larger police presence around the ground and in both city centres across the day. Police cordons will be in place around the stadium to help separate fan flows and ensure safe arrival and departure.
Assistant Chief Constable Helena Barron said: “There is understandably widespread excitement for the upcoming game between Sunderland and Newcastle at the Stadium of Light on Sunday. Football fans in the North East are well known for being amongst the most passionate in the country, and this fixture is much-anticipated by supporters of both clubs. Our role, and that of our wider partners, is to help ensure those attending the game can do so safely and that disruption for other members of the public is kept to a minimum. We would therefore ask all fans to work with us to help ensure the match goes ahead without incident.
“We know the overwhelming majority of supporters will follow the advice being shared by ourselves and their respective clubs and will be going to the match to enjoy the occasion. However, we want to make it clear to anyone who is intent on using the game as an excuse to cause trouble that this will not be tolerated. Anyone found responsible will subsequently face tough action, including criminal prosecution and potentially being handed a football banning order. As well as the increased police presence at the ground, we will also have additional officers in both city centres. Anyone involved in criminality or disorder will be arrested. Ultimately, we want to ensure all supporters can have a safe and enjoyable time – and everyone can play their part in achieving that result.”
British Transport Police have issued similar messaging. Chief Inspector Pete Kooper said: “We're incredibly excited to see a return of the Tyne-Wear derby with fans after so many years without this historic fixture. While I'm sure the vast majority of fans will be looking to simply enjoy the game and the atmosphere, we'll react emphatically to anyone who uses the opportunity to engage in violence or criminality. We urge everyone travelling to or from the game to report any concerns they have to us by texting 61016 or by calling 999 in an emergency. Violence and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated, and we are working closely with our partners to ensure that everyone can enjoy the game without interference or disruption.”
Local authorities are also backing the safety operation. Sunderland City Council Leader Michael Mordey said: “We’re all excited to welcome the Premier League Wear-Tyne derby back to the city and we’re all committed to making it an enjoyable occasion for everyone. At the council we have been working closely with partners across the region on ensuring this is a day where everyone at the Stadium of Light and across the city enjoys the match safely and has a great experience. Please plan your travel in advance, allow extra time for any checks, and respect any guidance you are given by emergency services and stewards. These measures are in place to help keep everyone safe.”
Newcastle City Council Leader Karen Kilgour added: “We know how much this fixture means to supporters on both sides of the rivalry, and fans have waited a long time for the Tyne-Wear derby to return to top-flight football. What’s most important though is that people enjoy the occasion safely and responsibly, and fans get to and from the match, or watch from venues across the region, without incident. A number of partners have robust measures in place to keep supporters and the wider public safe throughout the day and I would encourage all fans to follow the advice being given and ensure that, come Sunday evening, all we’re talking about is what happens on the pitch.”