Pupils Predict the Winner of the 2026 Tyne–Wear Derby

In the build‑up to the long‑awaited Tyne–Wear derby on 22nd March 2026, pupils took part in an exciting in‑school competition to predict what might unfold when Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC meet once again. With pride, rivalry and footballing passion running strong across the North East, pupils were eager to share their guesses on three key outcomes: the final score, the first goal scorer, and the minute of the first goal.

The pupils offered a wide range of scorelines—some realistic, some optimistic, and a few that would certainly make derby‑day history. Scorelines varied from tense 1–0 victories to dramatic 3–3 draws that imagined a match full of energy and last‑minute drama.

Two pupils correctly predicted the score of 2-1 to Sunderland, but only Jess predicted the correct first goal scorer as Gordon, earning her an NUFC strip. Congratulations Jess.