Bitesize Prediction: Sunderland vs Newcastle – 06/01/24

Competition: FA Cup

Market: Both teams to score

Odds: 8/11 @ 1xBet

In what looks set to be a fiery FA Cup showdown on Saturday afternoon, Newcastle will travel to bitter local rivals Sunderland.

Starting with the hosts, while Sunderland might have suffered play-off heartbreak last season, Sunderland have their sights firmly set on securing another top-six ticket. Opening 2023 with an eye-catching performance at the Stadium of Light as they secured a 2-0 victory against Preston, new boss Michael Beale has seen his squad muster seven points from their previous three Championship appearances. Desperate to claim what would be a famous scalp on Saturday afternoon, the Black Cats will also be excited by their continued success on home soil. On a run that is highlighted by a 1-0 win against promotion contenders Leeds, the former Rangers boss has seen his squad win eight of their last 12 showdowns in front of their own supporters – a run that stems all the way back to August 8th. Despite being tipped as a real underdog contender this weekend when their bitter local rivals arrive at the Stadium of Light, some in Beale’s camp could be smelling the chance to make a historic FA Cup statement.

As for the visitors, while Newcastle might have opened the 2023/24 campaign with their sights set ob punching another Champions League ticket, the Magpies do find themselves at the heart of a public struggle. Last seen earlier in the week getting hit with an action-packed 4-2 loss at the hands of Liverpool, Eddie Howe appears to have some mounting pressure on his shoulder at St. James’ Park. Signing off 2023 with a nightmare 3-1 defeat at home against Nottingham Forest, the former Bournemouth boss has seen his squad lose seven of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Crashing out of the EFL Cup last month following penalties heartbreak against Chelsea, Saturday’s guests have also continued to show some rather glaring defensive issues. In fact, Howe’s side have recorded just a pair of clean sheets in any of their last 12 straight showdowns – a run that stems all the way back to November 11th. In what looks set to be a fiery affair this weekend, we are expecting chances to come thick and fast at the Stadium of Light.

Bet: Both teams to score at Sunderland vs Newcastle 8/11 for Saturday’s FA Cup showdown @ 1xBet