Newcastle vs Sunderland Prediction: Gordon to set the tone in Tyne-Wear derby

After a humiliating defeat against Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek, Newcastle United have the perfect opportunity to respond on Sunday against fierce rivals Sunderland at St James' Park (12:00 GMT, live on Sky Sports Main Event).

The reverse fixture between the pair saw the Black Cats emerge as 1-0 winners courtesy of a Nick Woltemade own goal, meaning that if the hosts were to suffer another defeat here, Eddie Howe would be the first ever Newcastle manager to lose both of his first two league games against Sunderland. Read on for my Newcastle vs Sunderland predictions.

Team News

Newcastle will be without Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Fabian Schar and Emil Krath, while Sandro Tonali suffered a groin injury in the defeat to Barcelona.

Nick Woltemade played in midfield against Chelsea but didn't make the pitch against Barca, however, the German could be handed a start here given Newcastle's injury woes in midfield.

As for Sunderland, Reinildo is expected to be fit enough to feature this weekend, providing a huge boost to the Black Cats' backline. Enzo Le Fee, who missed the defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion last week, should also be available for selection here.

Nordi Mukiele remains sidelined with a calf problem, Dan Ballard will miss out due to a hamstring issue and Bertrand Traore is expected to miss six to eight weeks with a knee injury.

Newcastle vs Sunderland Odds

The hosts are 4/6 to win on Sunday, giving them an implied win probability of 60%, while the draw is 3/1 and Sunderland are 4/1.

Both teams to score can be backed at 10/11, and Yoane Wissa currently leads the anytime goalscorer market at 7/5.

Newcastle to win to nil @ 8/5

As mentioned in the introduction, Newcastle will be desperate to bounce back from the hammering they received from Barcelona in midweek, and a win over their rivals would be the perfect tonic to lift the mood in camp.

Despite their Champions League woes on Wednesday night, the Magpies' push for a top-four finish this term has been reignited in recent weeks, courtesy of back-to-back wins against Manchester United and Chelsea.

Sunderland enjoyed a brilliant first half of the season, but their form has taken a hit since the start of the year, claiming just three wins from their last 14 league outings, as well as only netting eight goals away from home all campaign.

So, let's back the Toon Army to get back to winning ways, at what is sure to be a rowdy St James' Park on Sunday.

Anthony Gordon to score anytime @ 9/5

Former Everton man Anthony Gordon fired a blank in Barcelona, but the England international has scored in his two previous Premier League appearances against Manchester United and Chelsea.

At 9/5, I think the 25-year-old represents good value to strike anytime on Sunday, particularly as he seems to relish big games at home - he's netted against the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Barcelona and Benfica at St James' Park.

Double Delight & Hat-trick Heaven

Pre-match single on First Goalscorer market in selected games. Paid in cash upon market settlement. 90 mins only. T&Cs Apply.

Sports Welcome Offer

New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.

Click here for the latest Football Odds and Today's Football Fixtures