Arsenal legend Paul Merson has tipped Sunderland to begin their return to form against rivals Newcastle United on Sunday.

In his pre-game analysis for Sky Sports ahead of this weekend's Premier League fixtures, Merson believes that the Black Cats, under the guidance of Sam Allardyce, will take advantage of their home support in order to claim the scalp of their fiercest rivals despite the Magpies defeating Norwich City 6-2 last week.

Merson said: "I don't see Sunderland losing this game, home advantage and 40,000-odd Mackems cheering them on is massive. Newcastle will flying having scored six goals last week and, in fairness, they should have been out of sight when they played Manchester City in the game before.

"That's what I fear though, they weren't out of sight then and they gave Norwich chances. They play an open style of football which is great to watch but that could hand the game to Sunderland.

"The Big Sam factor, coupled with the fact they have to win, I see Sunderland just snatching this one to make it six in a row."