Alan Shearer has picked who will finish higher now between Newcastle and Sunderland

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Newcastle United are currently below Sunderland in the Premier League, but Eddie Howe will hope that is not the case for much longer.

The Magpies are currently 14th in the Premier League table, with their domestic form proving to be a real issue. But Eddie Howe is implementing change at Newcastle United, as he attempts to resolve his side’s problems following the international break.

While there is no pressure on Eddie Howe at Newcastle, the situation has been amplified by Sunderland’s impressive return to the top flight. They have picked up 19 points so far, sitting fourth in the table after 11 games. That is shocking, given the fact they were heavily tipped to be relegated at the start of the season.

Sunderland currently sit seven points clear of Newcastle United, but Toon legend Alan Shearer expects the two rivals to swap places before the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

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Alan Shearer backs Newcastle United to finish above Sunderland

Shearer has been speaking about the two North East clubs on the latest episode of the Rest Is Football podcast, having been asked by Gary Lineker who he thinks will finish higher in the Premier League between Newcastle United and Sunderland.

“Newcastle will,” he said.

“Sunderland… I mean, as good as they’ve been, I’d be amazed if they kept it up, particularly with the players that they’re going to lose in January for I don’t know how long.

“But I would still hope and I still think that Newcastle will finish above them.”

In terms of losing players, Shearer is referring to the Africa Cup of Nations. While Newcastle United could lose Yoane Wissa to DR Congo, Sunderland look set to be without seven players.

AFCON begins on 21st December, with the final taking place on 18th January.

• Tyne-Wear derby: Newcastle United record vs Sunderland ahead of the first Premier League encounters in a decade

Newcastle United could leapfrog Sunderland before the Tyne-Wear derby

Newcastle United will soon have the chance to directly close the gap between themselves and Sunderland, with the first Tyne-Wear derby of the season looming.

The two sides will meet at the Stadium of Light on 14th December, in what will be the first league clash between them since March 2016.

As it stands, Sunderland will be above Newcastle United in the table by the time that game arrives. However, the situation could change if results go the Magpies’ way.

Seven points separate the two teams, with four rounds of Premier League fixtures set to take place before the derby.

That does give Eddie Howe’s side the opportunity to leapfrog Sunderland before they clash. However, it will depend on Newcastle improving their form and the Black Cats enduring a drop-off in results.