Paul Merson predicts Sunderland vs Newcastle - "I hate doing it, but..."

The Tyne and Wear derby is edging closer, as the two sides prepare to do battle in a Premier League game at the Stadium of Light for the first time in 10 years.

Newcastle arrive after a 2-1 win over Burnley and 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen over the past week, while Sunderland's last two have seen them follow a 1-1 draw at Liverpool with a 3-0 defeat at Man City last weekend.

Those results leave us just one point apart in the league table heading into Sunday's 2pm kick-off on Wearside, and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has weighed in with his thoughts on the game, offering his view on both sides and an early prediction.

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson is backing this one to end all square in a tight 1-1 draw, highlighting Newcastle's run without a clean sheet - our last was in a home win over Athletic Bilbao seven games ago - and the "strong fight" a resilient Sunderland side will put up on home turf:

"What a game. The big derby returns to the Premier League! We say this every week but Sunderland have been unbelievable, haven't they? No matter how many times we say it, this performance on their return to the top-flight never loses its shine.

"Newcastle are scoring goals, but they just can't keep a clean sheet. The last time they prevented a team from scoring was seven games ago against Athletic Club in the Champions League.

"If you go player for player on paper, it's a Newcastle win. But I can assure you that this game can never be won on paper! The Stadium of Light will be absolutely rocking and Sunderland will put up a strong fight.

"I hate doing it but I'm going to have to sit on the fence here. Draw for me.

Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle United

Merson admits he's 'on the fence' slightly by failing to split the two sides, but 1-1 is exactly how I see it panning out on Sunday.

Sunderland are unbeaten at home this season, yet have only won one of their last six games. Mix that with them facing a Newcastle side who've only won one away game all season, coupled with just one defeat in our last six, and it does feel like a match where a low-scoring draw feels likely.

That said, form often goes out the window on derby day, with it so often all about who keeps their heads, who wants it more and who can find those moments of quality in amongst the chaos!