5. 2023/24: Toon back in the big time
Bolstered by the goals of new signing Marcus Rashford, Newcastle United fire their way back to the Premier League in second place! Sunderland improve under Vieira, but lose to Barnsley in the play-off semi-final. Photo: Alex Livesey
6. 2024/25: Return to the Premier League
Sunderland swap places with Newcastle in the Premier League, as they win the play-off final this time around and Newcastle go down in bottom place. Xavi is sacked and replaced by the returning Chris Hughton. Photo: James Chance
7. 2025/26: Grayson is back?!
Sunderland are no pushovers but ultimately fall back into the Championship in 18th place. Vieira eventually leaves, replaced by a returning Simon Grayson?! Not sure we see that one coming. Newcastle lose the play-off final to Leeds United. Photo: Jordan Mansfield
8. 2026/27: Derby double
Newcastle complete the derby double over Sunderland with two 1-0 wins! The season is a fairly mediocre one though, with the sides finishing in 11th and 12th respectively. Photo: Richard Heathcote