​Newcastle United Women travel to the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon for one of the biggest fixtures of their 2026/27 campaign so far, as Tanya Oxtoby’s side take on local rivals Sunderland Women in a huge Wear-Tyne derby with significant implications for the Women’s Super League 2 promotion race.Dubbed ‘El Lassico’, this weekend’s encounter promises to be a particularly special occasion, with the two North East rivals occupying the top two positions in the WSL2 standings and just three points separating them heading into the contest.Newcastle currently lead the division with 19 points from their opening seven league fixtures, having recorded six victories and one draw. The Magpies remain unbeaten in the league and have established themselves as early favourites for promotion following an impressive opening to the campaign.Sunderland, meanwhile, sit directly behind their neighbours on 16 points, having collected five wins, one draw and one defeat from their opening seven matches.With automatic promotion the ultimate objective for both clubs, Sunday’s meeting represents much more than simply local bragging rights.Newcastle Looking To Strengthen Their PositionOxtoby’s Newcastle side have been particularly impressive at both ends of the pitch this season.The Magpies have scored 19 goals in seven league matches while conceding just three, highlighting the balance and consistency that has helped them establish an early advantage at the top of the division.Their latest league outing saw them produce another convincing performance, securing a 3-0 victory over Burnley at Gateshead International Stadium.Kathleen McGovern opened the scoring before a Deanna Cooper own goal doubled Newcastle’s advantage. Martha Thomas then completed the scoring in the second half to secure another important three points.Thomas has been one of Newcastle’s standout performers this season, leading the WSL2 goalscoring charts with seven goals. Her consistency in front of goal will undoubtedly be an important factor as the Magpies prepare for Sunday’s challenge.Beth Lumsden has also been instrumental in Newcastle’s impressive start, registering five assists and creating more chances than any other player in the division.Her creativity and ability to unlock opposition defences could prove particularly important against a Sunderland side expected to make life difficult for their visitors.Sunderland Looking For Derby RevengeAlthough Newcastle arrive as league leaders, Sunderland will have plenty of confidence heading into the fixture.Melanie Reay’s side have enjoyed an encouraging start to the campaign and recently celebrated an impressive 4-1 victory over Durham, responding positively following their 3-1 defeat against Ipswich Town.The Black Cats have demonstrated considerable attacking quality themselves, scoring 16 goals across their opening seven league fixtures.Striker Elise Hughes has been particularly influential, contributing five goals and provi