Newcastle v Sunderland preview

Watch the Tyne-Wear derby live on Sky Sports 1

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 20th April 2008

Roy Keane Sunderland manager

Keane: Derby test

Skysports.com prediction: Newcastle 3 Sunderland 0

One to watch: Mark Viduka

SkyBet odds: Newcastle 4/5 Draw 9/4 Sunderland 3/1

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Super Sunday begins with the 139th Tyne-Wear derby as Sunderland travel to local rivals Newcastle.

Only a matter of weeks ago this game looked destined to be a relegation six-pointer, but both sides won three matches in a row to all-but banish any fears of Championship football.

Sunderland's recent up-turn in form even means that victory will take them above Newcastle, while victory for The Magpies could see them close or even move above11th-placed Spurs.

Newcastle have enjoyed the bragging rights in recent times against Sunderland with The Black Cats' last victory coming in 2000 when they won on Tyneside.

In the last eight meetings Newcastle have won five times with three draws, making them favourites to secure another victory, although this is Roy Keane's first visit to St James' Park as manager.

Keane enjoyed his playing days against Newcastle and won on his last four visits with Manchester United.

Team news

Keane has a near full-strength squad to choose from, but midfielder Dickson Etuhu has been sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Dwight Yorke is also a worry with a knee problem and he is struggling to be involved.

Newcastle are sweating over both Stephen Carr and James Milner, although Kevin Keegan could stick with the same which started the draw at Portsmouth.