Eddie Howe is not going to pick a team full of Geordies on Sunday, but he could make a big change when Newcastle United head to Sunderland for the Tyne-Wear derby.
It is the first Tyne-Wear derby in the Premier League since March 2016, and pressure is on Eddie Howe to re-energise his side after drawing with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night.
Fatigue could be an issue for Newcastle United, as they prepare to head to Wearside in search of North East bragging rights.
Ahead of Sunderland vs Newcastle United, Geordie Boot Boys have predicted what Eddie Howe’s starting XI will be.
- Tyne-Wear derby: Newcastle United record vs Sunderland ahead of the first Premier League encounters in a decade
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!
Eddie Howe recalls Nick Pope for the Tyne-Wear derby
The big talking point going into Sunday’s game at the Stadium of Light is who will start in goal for Newcastle United.
Nick Pope could be available after injury, which puts Aaron Ramsdale at risk of dropping out.
While Pope was out of form before his injury, his replacement has not looked massively convincing. With that in mind, Pope should start for Newcastle if he is fit. He is better suited to dealing with Sunderland’s physicality, even if his kicking leaves a lot to be desired.
In front of him, Newcastle are expected to name the same back four that started at the BayArena on Wednesday night.
Fabian Schar will be on the bench, while Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth remain injured.
Joelinton starts against Sunderland after injury scare
Joelinton suffered an injury scare against Bayer Leverkusen, coming off with a groin problem.
That could open the door for Lewis Miley to start against Sunderland, but Geordie Boot Boys are predicting that Joelinton will be good to go on Sunday.
It is the type of game that should suit the £40million man, but there is certainly pressure on him to perform given his recent struggles and Miley’s impressive display in the Champions League.
The rest of the midfield will consist of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, who will be pivotal if Newcastle are to be successful on Wearside.
Who are you starting in midfield vs Sunderland? 🤔
Bruno and Tonali have to start, obviously.
Yoane Wissa among the Newcastle United substitutes
It would be great if Yoane Wissa could start in the derby, but that feels extremely unlikely. Instead, he will be an option on the bench for the third consecutive game.
Instead, Newcastle’s most expensive signing Nick Woltemade will lead the line, hoping to add to his tally of seven goals so far.
He will be flanked by Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, who feel like the most probable goalscorers for Eddie Howe’s side on Sunday.
Gordon looks back to his best after a fine display in the Champions League, and must continue his momentum against Sunderland.
Predicted XI vs Sunderland: Pope; Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon.
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