AliousNewcastle United may be gearing up for a crucial midweek Champions League showdown with Bayer Leverkusen, but the looming shadow of Sunday’s first Wear-Tyne derby in the Premier League since 2015 is impossible to ignore. While Eddie Howe has publicly stressed that his immediate priority is Europe, signs are already emerging that thoughts are drifting toward the high-stakes trip to Wearside.
The Magpies head into the derby on the back of improved domestic form, with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Burnley lifting them to within touching distance of Sunderland in the league table. That result has only added extra edge to a fixture already charged with history, pride and pressure.
Howe’s team selection in Germany could offer a clear preview of his derby plans. Malick Thiaw looks set to be a mainstay at the heart of defence for both matches after settling quickly into English football. However, uncertainty remains over who will partner him, with Dan Burn currently favoured despite mixed recent performances, largely due to the continued absence of Sven Botman.
Whoever earns the nod will face a significant challenge: Newcastle’s alarming vulnerability at set-pieces. While the Magpies have been effective when attacking dead-ball situations, defending them has been a persistent weakness this season. Late concessions against Arsenal, problems versus Spurs, and nervy moments even in the Burnley win have all highlighted an issue Sunderland are well equipped to exploit.
Club observers believe the problem has been compounded by the injury to Nick Pope. Although Aaron Ramsdale offers quality with the ball and solid shot-stopping, his lack of physical dominance could leave Newcastle exposed when balls are delivered into the box. Every corner or long throw now carries a sense of danger — and with derby tension added, nerves could quickly spread.
From Sunderland’s perspective, set-pieces are viewed as a golden opportunity. Since their return to the Premier League, the Black Cats have impressed with their organisation, physicality and efficiency from dead-ball situations. Strong results against teams like Chelsea, Bournemouth and Brentford — along with credible draws against Liverpool and Arsenal — have underlined their threat.
Local analysts on Wearside see set-pieces as a decisive battleground. Sunderland’s long throws and well-rehearsed corners have become a major weapon, and the belief is growing that they can unsettle Newcastle at exactly the wrong moment. At the same time, the Magpies will look to use their own height and physical presence to turn the tables — setting up a fascinating duel within the derby itself.
With emotions running high, history on the line and every dead ball potentially decisive, Sunday’s clash promises tension, drama and nerves — particularly for a Newcastle side that knows one mistake could swing the derby firmly Sunderland’s way.
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