Man Punching Horse - painting by Sam Wood (Image: Sam Wood)

The Tyne-Wear Derby is back in the Premier League for the first time since 2016. Despite a near 10-year absence in the top flight and 17km separating the cities of Newcastle and Sunderland , the rivalry remains as strong as ever.

The two sides did meet in the FA Cup third round in January 2024, where the Magpies secured a thumping 3-0 victory at the Stadium of Light. But the Black Cats, now managed by Regis Le Bris, are an entirely different beast this time around.

Sunderland have taken the Premier League by storm in their first season back in the top flight with six wins, five draws and four losses to begin the campaign, thanks to their impressive recruitment in the summer.

That puts them one point ahead of bitter

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