Football betting tips: Tyne-Wear derby
2pts Over 5.5 cards at 23/20 (Sky Bet, Paddy Power)
1pt Newcastle win and under 2.5 goals at 3/1 (General)
1pt Jacob Ramsey to be shown a card at 4/1 (bet365)
The first league meeting between these teams in 10 years went pretty much to script back in December: few chances, lots of cards, one goal settling it.
In most derbies that is often the case, but it's especially so in the Tyne-Wear. Both teams to score 'no' has been a winner in seven of the last nine with under 2.5 goals landing in four of the last five league meetings.
NEWCASTLE come into fixture reeling from a 7-2 drubbing at the hands of Barcelona in midweek, but no doubt determined to put that right.
Prior to that thrashing at the Nou Camp they had recorded encouraging wins over Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League either side of a wonderful home performance against Barca that warranted more than a painful, last-gasp draw.
They certainly have more momentum than their rivals.
Sunderland somehow escaped Elland Road with a 1-0 win over Leeds earlier this month in a match they deserved nothing from. It is their only victory in six league games, with four of the other five ending in defeat.
Away from home they continue to struggle badly, collecting just seven points from their last 11 league matches on the road. They were also recently knocked out of the FA Cup at League One's bottom club Port Vale.
Regis Le Bris has managed to keep things tight though, with the Black Cats only conceding more than once in one of their past seven outings.
Given the situations of both teams and the consistent lack of goals in this fixture, NEWCASTLE TO WIN & UNDER 2.5 GOALS is advised at a healthy 3/1.
Cards is another reliable angle when Tyne meets Wear.
Four of the last five meetings have seen at least six (6,2,7,8,9) which makes the 23/20 about OVER 5.5 CARDS a simple selection. It flew in at the Stadium of Light thanks to a characteristic melee in the closing stages, where four yellows were dished out for good measure.
Anthony Taylor has the whistle and while his level of patience can often depend on which side of the bed he woke up on, fortunately for us he's let loose recently.
Seven yellows and a red were brandished in Thursday's Europa League tie between Porto and Stuttgart, and there were five bookings in Manchester United's win over Aston Villa last weekend. Good signs.
JACOB RAMSEY is also backed TO BE SHOWN A CARD at 4/1.
The former Villa man has impressed in central midfield lately, taking his opportunity as Newcastle struggle with injuries in that area. He's been booked in three of his last nine matches when playing 45+ minutes, including a sending off against Manchester United for two yellow cards - the second of which was for diving.
The central midfield battle is sure to be fierce on Sunday and Ramsey is the only player whose price hasn't been cut in painfully short.
In the reverse fixture four of the seven central midfielders who featured were booked - three were Newcastle players.
Score prediction: Newcastle 1-0 Sunderland
Odds correct at 13:15 GMT (20/3/26)
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