After 8 years, one of England’s biggest rivalries is back

The Tyne-Wear derby is one of the island nation’s most illustrious derbies, with the last precedent being set in 2016.

The Newcastle-Sunderland derby, one of England’s most patriotic clashes, will be staged again after 2016. Even if there was nothing at stake, the North-East clash would be a big game, especially as the teams meet in one of the world’s most prestigious cup competitions. Let’s see what you can bet on.

For sure, winning is important to fans of both teams, but there are bigger goals than the FA Cup. The home side are fighting for promotion, while the visitors are looking to get out of their hellish form. In the PL, Eddie Howe’s side have a modest record, with three points in their last six games, and are also out of the Champions League and the League Cup. If they were to leave the Stadium of Light on a losing note, the manager’s job could be in jeopardy.

Although Newcastle are rightly favourites, we disagree with the odds of around 1.70, it will be a one pepper game in a sensational atmosphere where Michael Beale’s boys will surely be out to win.

It’s pointless to start from what happened 6-7 years ago, English referees have a different spirit now, so it should come as no surprise that the bookies have drawn the line at around 5.5 – and we think that can be jumped. The referee will be Craig Pawson, who has already given 11 cards this year and is not afraid to touch the more colourful cards.