Alan Shearer issues Sunderland vs Newcastle verdict – and ends with cheeky dig!

Derby day returns tomorrow, with tension rising across the North East ahead of our first Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light in a decade.

Few figures understand the intensity of this fixture better than Alan Shearer, who famously scored on Wearside with the final kick of his playing career, and he has been giving his view ahead of the showdown.

Shearer notes that Sunderland have managed just one win in their last six matches, but stresses that form often counts for little in derby encounters.

Instead, he believes passion, discipline and decisive moments amid the chaos usually shape the outcome.

The Newcastle legend also expressed concern about our tendency to concede late goals, while suggesting Sunderland could gain a slight advantage from having a full week to prepare without a midweek fixture.

He joked, however, that Champions League football is something the Mackems can “only dream of,” despite their impressive start following promotion.

Speaking to Betfair before Sunday’s 2pm kick-off, Shearer said:

“Any time is a good time to play Sunderland because these are fantastic games.

“They’ve only won one of their last six, but they went to Anfield and put in a strong performance. You have to give them credit for the way they’ve started the season – nobody expected them to do what they’ve done so far.

“Form doesn’t matter in these games. From a Newcastle point of view, hopefully the result is similar to the FA Cup tie a couple of years ago because they need a bit of consistency.

“It’s encouraging that Newcastle were disappointed to draw with Leverkusen. They need to cut out the late goals, but overall another point away from home is positive.

“It probably helps Sunderland that they’ve had a free week to prepare at home while Newcastle were away playing Champions League football – something they could only dream of!”

When it came to his prediction, Shearer backed Newcastle to come out on top:

“As difficult as it will be, I think Newcastle will go there and win.

“In derbies, form goes out of the window. Sometimes you might as well flip a coin – it’s all about the occasion.

“I hope the referee lets the game flow because that adds to the spectacle. I’ll go for an away win. I’m really looking forward to it.”

On paper, Sunderland’s recent run shows just one win in six, while Newcastle have suffered only a single defeat over the same period.

However, that is balanced by the Mackems’ formidable home form, with no losses on Wearside so far this season.

Newcastle’s away record has been less convincing, but the 2-2 draw in Leverkusen, coming shortly after a 4-1 victory at Everton, suggests signs of progress on the road, particularly with Livramento and Hall now back fit.