This FA Cup has handed fans the first Tyne-Wear derby in nearly eight years as Newcastle visit local rivals Sunderland in the third round of the 2023/24 tournament.
These two clubs have not met since Sunderland were relegated from the Premier League in 2016, but will renew their ferocious rivalry at the Stadium of Light, handed an early lone kickoff to signify the match's importance.
It will mark the 143rd all-time meeting between the two sides, including the ninth in the FA Cup, and first in this competition since 1956.
Both sides have been looking forward to this meeting since it was first drawn. Newcastle supporters will be thrilled to finally have the chance to put an end to Sunderland's 11-match unbeaten streak in this rivalry, having avoided defeat since a 1-0 home loss back in 2011. Sunderland fans, meanwhile, will know victory in a match such as this could seriously bolster their league efforts, where they sit sixth, pushing for a playoff spot.
USA: Click here to see the latest odds for Sunderland vs Newcastle and bet FA Cup matches
This match is extremely difficult to predict. Newcastle are in poor form and beset by injuries throughout the squad, while lower-league opponents Sunderland are in good form but concede goals at a high rate.
In rivalry games like this, anything can happen, especially with both teams trending in opposite direction form-wise. However, while the draw is tempting, Sunderland should use home field advantage to tilt the match in their favour, and their better defensive form will be key. There should be twists and turns in this 90-minute saga, and if you don't feel confident in taking Sunderland to win outright you can play the double chance at +110, but we'll take the value on a 90-minute
Read on sportingnews.com