Overview
This is the first meeting between the two northeastern sides of England since a 1-1 draw at St James' Park in the Premier League in 2016. To be fair, there have been many changes since then.
The Magpies were relegated at the end of the 2015-2016 season for the second time in Premier League history, but were promoted under Rafael Benitez shortly after. Since then, they have gradually risen as Saudi Arabia's owners took over.
Meanwhile, Sunderland struggled in the Premier League in 2016-2019 and were relegated. They have not been able to return to the top flight since then.
However, everything is going in a beneficial direction for Sunderland. After finishing 6th in the Championship last season and being eliminated in the semi-finals of the play-off round, they once again have a chance to be promoted.
Sunderland are currently ranked 6th and unbeaten in the last 3 matches. They started 2024 perfectly with a 2-0 home win over Preston North End.
Sunderland have been knocked out of the FA Cup against Premier League opponents in their last four seasons. In fact, when playing in the top flight, they have not beaten a Premier League side since 1,2005.
Jack Clarke has been the foundation for Sunderland's successful campaign so far. The winger has scored 12 goals in the Championship and led almost all of Sunderland's attack indicators.
Meanwhile, Newcastle entered this match in poor form. Eddie Howe's side have won just one of their last eight games in all competitions and have traveled to Sunderland after three consecutive defeats in the Premier League.
With an ever-increasing injury list, Howe will want to enter the winter break as soon as possible. However, after being eliminated from the Champions League and Carabao Cup and finishing 9th in the Premier League, the FA Cup became an important arena for them. That could be the only way for Newcastle to return to the European arena next season.
Despite having a good record in the Carabao Cup in the last two campaigns - reaching the final of the 2022-2023 season and the quarter-finals of this season - Newcastle have not had similar success in the FA Cup.
They have all been eliminated from the third round in the last 3 seasons. In the last 2 campaigns, Newcastle have been eliminated by lower-ranked opponents (Sheffield Wednesday and Cambridge United).
In terms of personnel, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson and Callum Wilson will be absent for this match, as well as the next Premier League match against Man City.
Kieran Trippier has a chance to play after missing the match against Liverpool, while Jamaal Lascelles has also recovered and could start. Other players such as Jacob Murphy, Nick Pope, Matt targett and Javier Manquillo are still sidelined.
Head-to-head record
Newcastle are winless in their last nine meetings with Sunderland in all competitions (D3 L6 and all in the Premier League between 2012 and 2016). This is their longest ever winless streak against Sunderland.
Sunderland have won their last three home games against Newcastle and five of their last six meetings. In history, they have never won 4 consecutive home matches against Newcastle.
In the FA Cup, Sunderland have won their last two matches against Newcastle, although this was their first meeting since the 1955-1956 season.
The match between Sunderland and Newcastle takes place at 7:45 p.m. on January 6 (Vietnam time).
