Eddie Howe could make changes for Newcastle United as they head to Sunderland for a first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby in nine years.
All of the pressure is on Newcastle United heading into Sunday’s clash at the Stadium of Light.
While the Black Cats have proven much better than expected this term, there is surely little doubt that a defeat would be much worse for Eddie Howe’s side.
Howe is expected to rotate his options, given the tight turnaround following Wednesday’s Champions League draw with Bayer Leverkusen.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest confirmed team news and injury latest ahead of Sunderland versus Newcastle United.
If you couldn’t say Shola Ameobi, who is the one Newcastle player you instantly think about from Tyne-Wear derby history?
Big shoutout to Albert Luque!
Newcastle United confirmed team news vs Sunderland
Howe confirmed prior to Sunday’s game that Yoane Wissa had suffered with an illness in the build-up to the Leverkusen clash.
“He had a bit of illness in the last 24 hours, hence why he only got a few minutes today,” said Howe of his striker on Wednesday night.
“It is unfortunate because he was going in the right direction. So, a little knock back there.”
Still, the striker – who made his debut last week against Burnley – did at least come on in Germany, so that would perhaps suggest the situation isn’t too bad.
Nick Pope could return from injury for Newcastle, while Joelinton may shrug off a knock sustained out in Leverkusen.
Sven Botman remains a doubt after Howe confirmed he has seen a specialist over a back issue.
Newcastle United latest injuries vs Sunderland
Kieran Trippier is injured for Newcastle, along with the likes of William Osula and Emil Krafth.
Howe has previously confirmed Trippier and Krafth are likely to return around Christmas time, while Osula’s exact return date remains somewhat unclear.
So much has been made about the midfield and goalkeeper selection dilemmas, but who are you starting in central defence?
Sven Botman doesn't look like making it 😟
I’m going with Thiaw and Burn. Is that harsh on Fabian Schar?
Newcastle United predicted XI vs Sunderland
The likes of Jacob Murphy and Lewis Miley were rested from the start against Leverkusen, so may feature here.
Joelinton or Miley in central midfield looks like the major selection call heading into the game.
Harvey Barnes is another option, although Anthony Gordon is in fine form for Newcastle, so may keep his starting berth.
Newcastle United predicted XI vs Sunderland: Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Miley; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon
Injured: Trippier (hamstring), Krafth (knee), Osula (ankle)
Doubts: Pope (groin), Botman (back)
Time and date: 2pm GMT on Sunday, 14 December, 2025
TV channel and live stream: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra HDR, Sky Go
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
Referee: Peter Bankes, Stuart Atwell (VAR)
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