Newcastle Home Win — Isak Fires and Derby Dominance Continues

6th-place Newcastle can strengthen their Conference League position with a win in this North-East derby at a sold-out St James' Park.

19th-placed Sunderland desperately need points to escape relegation. Even a draw at Newcastle would be a massive result.

Alexander Isak's return from injury has been electric. Four goals in three matches has lifted Newcastle's attacking threat to another level.

Reports have emerged of tension between a key Sunderland forward and the coaching staff — with potential consequences for selection.

Newcastle's home record of W10 D3 L0 makes St James' Park an imposing fortress. No away side has won there in the current run.

A goalless run of three games highlights Sunderland's chronic attacking problems as the season reaches its critical phase.

Kieran Trippier's three recent assists show how much Newcastle's attack benefits from his overlapping runs and delivery.

Conceding 2.4 goals per away game is unsustainable — Newcastle's attack will be targeting a repeat of the pattern.

The manager has signalled an aggressive, high-press tactical plan to dismantle Sunderland's defensive setup from the first whistle.

Just one away win all season encapsulates Sunderland's inability to compete against top-half sides away from home.

Anthony Gordon leads the league in dribble completions, creating havoc for opposition defences with his direct running.

The Tyne-Wear derby generates some of the highest emotional intensity in English football — expect a fiercely contested match.

Dropping from the Premier League would devastate Sunderland's commercial model — adding financial urgency to an already desperate situation.

Nick Pope continues his excellent season between the sticks. He will likely be called on to save Newcastle at least once.

Sunderland's boss has acknowledged the task ahead and is prioritising defensive organisation to frustrate Newcastle's potent attack.

Newcastle have dominated recent meetings, winning four of the last five. Their home record in the derby is particularly strong.

Midfielder Roberts should be back in the starting XI, providing some energy and combativeness in what will be a battle in the middle.

Newcastle's home attack is among the best in the division. Sunderland's leaky away defence makes this a concern.

Newcastle's delivery from wide and set-pieces will be a key tactical weapon given Sunderland's poor record defending dead-ball situations.

Every ticket has been sold for Sunday's derby. The atmosphere will be extraordinary and the crowd advantage may prove decisive.