Sunderland vs Newcastle United: Our writers predict the outcome of the derby; The derby between Newcastle United and Sunderland is too close to call according to the pundits and bookies - and our experts agree.
Byline: Mark Douglas
It's not long now until Sunday's big game -- and it's too close to call according to bookies, pundits and our writers.
We asked all of our team to predict the score and the key factor. Here are their verdicts.
My prediction: 3-1 to Newcastle. The Magpies have a fresh look to them this year and will be relishing the chance to put the record straight. Mitrovic should be a real handful.
The thing that will decide the game: If Gini Wijnaldum and Moussa Sissoko can serve up back-to-back performances Sunderland will have no answer to their quality.
My prediction: 1-1. I am afraid I am going to sit firmly on the fence - I can feel the splinters on my backside as we speak - and predict a tense and nervy score draw.
As poor as Sunderland have been, Big Sam will have had another week to drill them defensively and make the Black Cats difficult to break down.
The thing that will decide the game: Though I believe Aleksandar Mitrovic will break the deadlock in the first-half for the Magpies, the derby 'hoodoo' will play heavily on the players' minds after the half-time break and they will get nervy during the second 45.
Fabio Borini will therefore pop up with a goal as United sit deeper and deeper late on.
A point will be a decent result for Newcastle, but a poor one for Sunderland and will leave them still in massive trouble.
Sunderland vs Newcastle United
My prediction: Draw.
The thing that will decide the game: The fear factor -- and which team better copes with it -- will be decisive.
Newcastle will arrive at the Stadium of Light afraid of becoming the first team to lose six Tyne-Wear derbies; Sunderland will be fearful of seeing their winless start to the season reach double figures. Add those nerves to the usual derby jitters, and the game becomes as much a test of mental strength as footballing ability.
With Newcastle having earned their first win last weekend and Sunderland going into the game on the back of five successive derby victories, you can put a case for viewing either side as the favourites on Sunday.
It really is too close to call.
Score prediction: A cagey 1-1.
Expect a much more cautious approach from Newcastle United than the cavalier attack they showed against Norwich, but they have enough creativity to find a goal against a Sunderland side whose desperation is their predominant driving force.
The thing that will decide the game: Both side's ability to maintain shape and composure in defence will determine...
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