Take a look at the latest odds for Sunderland to finish above Newcastle in the 2026/27.
Sunderland fans would have taken Premier League survival last season in a heartbeat. If offered Premier League survival, a European place and finishing above rivals Newcastle, they’d have likely said “thank you, genie” and gone on their way.
Helped by doing the double over Newcastle, it was the first time Sunderland had finished above their neighbours without either being relegated since 2010/11.
Even with the summer splurge to make their squad competitive, the Black Cats exceeded all expectations, and even gave a good account of themselves when losing several key players to the Africa Cup on Nations in January.
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Losing Alexander Isak, especially so late in the window, was a blow, but nobody forced them to sign Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey, Nick Woltemade or Yoane Wissa for £236m.
There were, as there always are, a handful of highlights: beating Manchester City and Manchester United at home, beating Chelsea away and giving a decent account of themselves in Europe. But it was a trophyless season in which the Magpies finished 12th, losing a remarkable 10 of their final 16 Premier League games, putting pressure on Eddie Howe, who remains in post.
Newcastle are somewhat hamstrung by financial issues that have seen them sell Anthony Gordon and could yet be forced into losing a Bruno Guimaraes or a Lewis Hall, adding to what is already a lengthy shopping list.
For Sunderland, they will no doubt relish their European campaign and will make the Stadium of Light a fortress, but we’ve seen all too often sides struggle domestically when juggling European football.
