Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe appears ready to split the fanbase down the middle ahead of Sunday’s derby against Sunderland.
Sunderland vs Newcastle United is a huge game for both clubs and Howe’s side head into it while dealing with a worrying trend.
Newcastle United keep conceding late goals, making the trip to the Stadium of Light all the more concerning.
It doesn’t look like we’re wearing black and white on Sunday – how do you feel about that?⚫⚪
At least it's not the green kit, think of it like that!
Howe’s side will need to be at their very best on Sunday and their big players simply need to step up.
It will be fascinating to see what kind of team the Newcastle United manager goes with, particularly in goal.
Newcastle United could bring Nick Pope back vs Sunderland
According to The Daily Mail, Howe will give serious consideration to bringing Nick Pope back in goal should he prove his fitness.
Pope, who has made a series of mistakes this season, has missed the last few games with a groin injury.
Summer signing Aaron Ramsdale has replaced him, with sections of the support calling for that particular change long before it was made.
Ramsdale, however, hasn’t always convinced. While Newcastle are unbeaten over the last four games with him in goal, the Southampton loanee was questioned for his role in Tottenham’s late goal at St James’ Park earlier this month.
Those behind the scenes believe Pope could be in contention to make Sunday’s game, despite Howe previously suggesting he would be ruled out of action until around Christmas time.
Should the England stopper prove his fitness, there’s a strong chance that he could come back into the side.
You can pick one player to score the winner against Sunderland on Sunday, who are you going for?
It would be great for Wissa to get his first Toon goal, but imagine the scenes if Bruno scores!😍
How Nick Pope compares to Aaron Ramsdale this season
Pope has been criticised by Newcastle fans this season, making the idea of bringing him straight back in for such a huge game potentially rather controversial.
Though there’s little doubt he remains a fine shot stopper on his day, the former Burnley star is prone to making rash mistakes.
Still, this season, he does boast a much better save percentage than Ramsdale. Pope has saved 74.5% of the shots he has faced, while Ramsdale has saved 60%.
Obviously, Pope has made more appearances, but it is still worth taking into account.
Whatever decision Howe makes in goal will almost certainly split opinion.
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