Does the Magpies’ slump continue?
The home side have already won the FA Cup twice. However, their last triumph was 51 years ago. They are currently only playing in the Championship and now Sunderland face Newcastle in the third round of the current edition of the FA Cup. What is the betting tip for the clash at the “Stadium of Light”?
Of course, the visiting “Magpies” are the favorites as a first division team. However, United are currently looking very weak: Coach Eddie Howe’s side have lost seven of their last eight competitive matches at national and international level.
For the upcoming cup game between Sunderland and Newcastle, the betting tip is for a win for the hosts or a draw at half-time.
Sunderland – Statistics & current form
The “Black Cats” finished sixth at the end of the regular season last year and they are currently in that position again. In addition, AFC overcame a temporary period of weakness in the middle of last month with two defeats.
The team from the north-east of England have been unbeaten in the British lower house for three rounds and won their dress rehearsal against Preston North End 2-0 last weekend.
Jack Clarke is also efficient in attack. The attacker leads the club’s internal scoring charts with a dozen goals and has already surpassed his tally from last season by three goals
Will Clarke strike again?
In his third year at Sunderland, Clarke is having by far his best season with the six-time British champions. On top of that, his form is particularly good at the moment: the 23-year-old has scored in two of his last three league games. In view of this and his generally great goalscoring ability, betting tips and odds on his next goal celebration are also worth considering for the clash between Sunderland and Newcastle.
Furthermore, the home strength of the two-time FA Cup winners has increased recently. Coach Michael Beale’s side have won three of their last four league games at home. In the process, AFC also defeated two top teams from the Championship, Leeds and West Bromwich!
Predicted Sunderland line-up:
No information available
Newcastle – Statistics & current form
The Magpies have won the FA Cup six times compared to their upcoming opponents. On the other hand, their last success in the competition was 69 years ago, even longer ago than in the case of the home side (1973).
However, the mood among the players from St. James’ Park is currently very gloomy. Towards the end of last year, Newcastle completely ran out of steam. The visitors were knocked out of the Champions League and the EFL Cup and suffered defeats in the league
United are massively unlucky with injuries
One reason is the tight personnel situation. In particular, the absence of goalkeeper Nick Pope has thrown United off course. Since the keeper has not been on board, they have lost seven out of eight competitive games! On top of that, the visitors arrive with personnel concerns in attack.
This is due to the injury to Callum Wilson, who had to miss the last game and is once again doubtful to play against Sunderland. With seven goals in 14 league games, he is one of United’s most prolific scorers, which is why his continued absence would significantly weaken the Magpies’ attack.
At least Alexander Isak has recently stepped into the breach. The Swede has netted in the last two league games, proving that he has come through his interim injury last month well
No more than one goal by the visitors?
However, from a collective point of view, the visitors’ attack has not been convincing, averaging one goal over the past three games. With this in mind, the prediction of a maximum of one goal from last season’s fourth-placed team in the Premier League is also worth a recommendation for the match between Sunderland and Newcastle.
Newcastle line-up prediction:
No information available
Sunderland – Newcastle head-to-head comparison / H2H record
The last direct duel took place in March 2016. Back then, the clubs drew 1-1 in the Premier League at Newcastle. Thanks to the draw, the hosts are unbeaten in this pairing for nine matches (6-3-0)!
Sunderland – Newcastle betting tip
For the cup game between Sunderland and Newcastle, the prediction includes the double chance in favor of the home side in the first half. Although the visitors travel to the second division side as favorites from the Premier League, they have been in a crisis situation in recent weeks due to a packed schedule and numerous injured players.
As the squad still has to cope with various absentees, the difference in quality is currently less pronounced than normal. What’s more, the hosts are strong on their own turf in the first half.
Only in two of their 13 home games in league action have they had to go in at the break trailing. The Sunderland v Newcastle prediction is underpinned by the visitors’ offense. This usually only picks up after the break. This can be seen from the fact that the Magpies have scored 25 of their 38 goals in the PL this season in the second half of matches.
On top of that, Howe’s side are chronically weak away from home: only bottom-placed Sheffield Wednesday have picked up fewer points away from home! Instead, Newcastle have won just one of their ten away games in the top flight (1-2-7) and have only been in front at the break twice