Premier League Sunday preview: Tyne-Wear derby headlines blockbuster afternoon as Man City look to close gap on Arsenal

Five matches on Super Sunday including a fierce Northeast derby and crucial clashes in the title and relegation battles

By "Big" Barry O'ConnorPublished Dec 14, 2025, 7:04 AMUpdated Dec 14, 2025, 7:04 AM

© James Kirkup

If Saturday was tasty, Sunday is going to be absolutely delicious.

Five Premier League matches are on the menu, headlined by one of English football's most hostile rivalries. The Tyne-Wear derby is back, and Sunderland versus Newcastle is going to be absolutely electric.

But that is not all. Man City can close the gap on Arsenal, Villa look to continue their title charge, Spurs need points desperately, and Leeds face a tricky trip to Brentford.

Let Barry guide you through everything you need to know.

The early kick-offs (14:00 UTC)

Sunderland vs Newcastle - Stadium of Light

This is the one everyone has been waiting for. The Tyne-Wear derby is back in the Premier League after Sunderland's promotion, and the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light is going to be absolutely toxic.

Sunderland sit sixth on 23 points - a remarkable achievement for a newly promoted side. Regis Le Bris has done an incredible job getting the Black Cats organised and competitive.

Newcastle are 12th on 19 points and have been frustratingly inconsistent this season. Eddie Howe needs a result here to keep the fans onside and maintain any hopes of a top-six finish.

Form goes out the window in derbies. This is about pride, bragging rights, and 90 minutes of pure chaos. Expect late tackles, yellow cards, and an atmosphere that will shake your television.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City - Selhurst Park

Can Man City close the gap on Arsenal? The champions are five points behind the Gunners and desperately need three points at Selhurst Park.

Palace have been the surprise package of the season under Oliver Glasner. They sit fifth on 23 points and have genuine European ambitions. Marc Guehi's late winner against Fulham last weekend showed this team has character.

Pep Guardiola will be wary. Selhurst Park is never an easy place to go, and Palace have the pace and directness to hurt City on the counter. Rayan Cherki's rabona assist against Sunderland showed City still have the quality, but their defence has been suspect at times.

This could be a cracker.

Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham - City Ground

Two clubs heading in opposite directions. Forest are 16th on 15 points after a miserable run of form. Spurs are 11th on 19 points and desperately trying to salvage something from a disappointing season.

Ange Postecoglou needs a response after the 2-0 defeat to Brentford last weekend. Spurs have been too easy to beat this season, and the Australian's job is coming under increasing scrutiny.

Forest were hammered 3-0 by Everton in their last home game. Nuno Espirito Santo's side have scored just 14 goals all season - the second-lowest in the division. Something has to give.

West Ham vs Aston Villa - London Stadium

West Ham are in serious trouble. The Hammers sit 18th on just 12 points - deep in the relegation zone. New manager Nuno Espirito Santo has a massive job on his hands.

Villa, meanwhile, are flying. Unai Emery's side are third on 27 points after that dramatic 2-1 win over Arsenal last weekend. Emiliano Buendia's 95th-minute winner announced Villa as genuine title contenders.

This should be comfortable for Villa, but West Ham are fighting for their lives. Desperation can make teams dangerous, and the London Stadium crowd will be right behind their team.

The late kick-off (16:30 UTC)

Brentford vs Leeds - Gtech Community Stadium

The final match of the weekend sees Brentford host Leeds in what could be an entertaining affair.

Brentford are 13th on 19 points and have been solid if unspectacular under Thomas Frank. Bryan Mbeumo continues to be their main threat, but they have struggled for consistency.

Leeds are 17th on 14 points after their dramatic 3-3 draw with Liverpool last weekend. Daniel Farke's side showed incredible spirit to come back from 3-1 down against the champions, but they remain too close to the relegation zone for comfort.

Both teams need points. Both teams can score goals. This could be the most entertaining match of the day.

Sunday predictions

Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle

Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester City

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Tottenham

West Ham 0-2 Aston Villa

Brentford 2-2 Leeds

What is at stake

At the top, Man City can cut the gap to Arsenal to just two points if they win at Palace and the Gunners drop points on Saturday night.

Villa can go level on points with Arsenal if results go their way - an incredible achievement for Emery's side.

At the bottom, West Ham are in real danger. A defeat to Villa would leave them deep in trouble heading into the Christmas period.

And in the Northeast, bragging rights for an entire region are on the line. The Tyne-Wear derby is back, and it is going to be box office.

Get the beers in. Sunday is going to be special.

Category: News
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"Big" Barry O'Connor

Barry has been covering English football for 30 years. He is an outspoken character ("loudmouth") who has his ins at the pubs where the supporters go. He isn't afraid to call for a manager's sacking after just two losses. His style is direct, populist, and sometimes brutal. He loves puns in headlines and focuses on conflicts, wages, and dressing room drama.