Is Sunderland vs Newcastle on TV? How to watch, VAR details, team news and head to head records compared

For the first time in seven years Sunderland and Newcastle United will renew their rivalries in one of the standout FA Cup third-round ties.

The two North East giants have not faced each other since a 1-1 draw in the Premier League back in March 2016. On that occasion Alexander Mitrovic and Jermaine Defoe were the goalscorers and it is fair to say that both clubs have been on a rollercoaster journey since that last meeting at St James’ Park.

Newcastle suffered relegation that same season in 2016 with bitter rivals Sunderland narrowly beating the drop. The Magpies bounced back as Championship winners and consolidated themselves in the top-flight for four seasons before a big money takeover propelled them back into the Champions League within just two seasons.

Sunderland have faced a much more difficult period - suffering relegation under David Moyes in 2017. Enduring further heartbreak by dropping to the third-tier for the first time in their history. Three frustrating seasons of promotion heartbreak followed before May 2022 when the club finally returned to the Championship at the fourth time of asking. The Black Cats are now knocking on the door of the Premier League in their second season back in the Championship and in typical Tyne-Wear derby fashion have a new manager at the helm to attempt to stage an upset.

The Tyne-Wear derby is one of the biggest rivalries in English football and thousands of Magpies are expected to make the trip to the Stadium of Light to see their team in action - but is the game televised and how can fans stream all of the action? Here’s all you need to know.

When is Sunderland vs Newcastle United?

Newcastle United will make the highly anticipated trip to the Stadium of Light on Saturday 7 January with the game kicking off at 12.45pm.

The FA Cup tie marks the first meeting between the two sides in seven years in all competitions and the first FA Cup meeting since 1956. Newcastle entered that game as defending champions of the competition but Jackie Milburn and his team suffered quarter-final heartbreak in a 2-0 loss.

Is Sunderland vs Newcastle on TV?

Newcastle’s visit to Sunderland has been selected for TV coverage and ITV1 will provide comprehensive build up to the game from 12pm. Fans can also stream the game using ITVX and the app can be downloaded on both a mobile phone and electronic device.

Who has the better head to head record?

Remarkably Newcastle United and Sunderland are locked level when it comes to all-time head to head meetings.  The two North East giants have both won 53 of their 155 meetings in all competitions with the other 49 games finishing level.Sunderland are on a run of nine games without a defeat against their bitter rivals. A record Eddie Howe and his team will look to end this weekend.

Newcastle’s last victory over Sunderland was a 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light under Alan Pardew in August 2011. Defender Ryan Taylor was the match winner on that occasion and he wrote his name into Magpies folklore with a second half free kick.

Team news

Newcastle United are sweating over the fitness of defender Kieran Trippier who missed the match against Liverpool with a groin problem. The Magpies are also likely to be without last season’s top scorer Callum Wilson who is expected to miss the game with a calf complaint. The Tyne-Wear derby also comes too soon for Joe Willock who is slowly easing his way back to match fitness.

Long term absentees Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes and Matt Targett remain on the treatment table along with first choice goalkeeper Nick Pope. While Sandro Tonali will not return from suspension until the start of next season. The hosts are assessing the fitness of Patrick Roberts who missed the game against Preston with a muscle injury. Sunderland Echo also reports that Bradley Dack and Dennis Cirkin will miss the derby. Jay Matete is available if required for the first time since his pre-season injury, but Michael Beale is unlikely to give him a major role in the contest.

Will VAR be used in the Tyne-Wear derby?

For better or for worse, VAR has become a regular part of football in the Premier League. However, FA Cup rules state that VAR can only be used at Premier League venues and therefore it will not be used during this game.