Chris Sutton predicts Sunderland vs Newcastle and issues Eddie Howe message

Chris Sutton believes Newcastle United will end their run of defeats and leave Sunderland with a 3-0 win in Saturday's eagerly anticipated Tyne and Wear derby.

He believes Eddie Howe 'needs this even more' than new Black Cats boss Michael Beale and expects the 46-year-old to name a full-strength line-up in a bid to kick-start our campaign.

The BBC pundit does warn that we've lost to League One sides in each of our last two third round games of the FA Cup, but backs the players to respond with a comfortable win at the Stadium of Light.

On Howe's position at the club, Sutton isn't buying into "any suggestions" he could be under pressure from above, feeling he deserves total backing from our owners; even if the worst happens in the derby. Here's what he's had to say:

Mick Beale has just gone in at Sunderland after Tony Mowbray was harshly sacked as manager and this would be a massive win for him, but Newcastle need this even more. In fact, it feels like this is one they have to win, because their rivalry is that intense.

Newcastle have lost in round three to League One sides in each of the past two seasons, and Eddie Howe loves to make lots of changes for these ties - but he cannot do that this time, in the position they are in, so I think they go full strength, and go through.

But, even if they lose, I am not buying into any suggestion that the Magpies need to change their manager. We know they are on a bad run, but I think they should stick with Eddie Howe and most of their support is still with him.

Prediction: Sunderland 0-3 Newcastle