Sunderland welcome Newcastle United to the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon for the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby in more than nine years.
The Black Cats have made an encouraging return to the top flight following promotion from the Championship and currently sit 10th in the table, although they have managed just one victory in their last five outings. Newcastle arrive in 12th place after an up and down campaign of their own. Eddie Howe’s side have won three of their last four league matches, but they come into the fixture on the back of a midweek defeat in the Champions League.
Both managers are dealing with injury issues ahead of the derby, and here is how GIVEMESPORT expects the two teams to line up.
Sunderland team news
Regis Le Bris is close to having a full squad available before several players depart for the Africa Cup of Nations next week.
Luke O’Nien is suspended and will not return until the new year, while Aji Alese and Habib Diarra remain sidelined with long-term injuries. There is positive news at left-back, with Reinildo back fit and available for selection, and Dennis Cirkin could be in line for his first appearance of the season.
Le Bris provides squad update
Speaking ahead of the match, Le Bris offered an update on his players’ fitness.
“Dennis is ready,” he said. “He has trained properly for two or three weeks and is fully integrated with the group. It’s good news because at the moment we do not have many injuries.
“Habib will train with the group next week and return to full training. He will probably need one or two weeks to reach his best level after a strong rehabilitation programme, and then it depends on AFCON.
“We need to build his fitness and then he will be ready. The decision is with the national team if they want to select him.
“Reinildo is fit and trained on Thursday and again today.”
Sunderland predicted XI
Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Traore, Le Fee, Adingra; Isidor.
Substitutes: Patterson, Hume, Cirkin, Geertruida, Neil, Rigg, Mayenda, Talbi, Brobbey.
Sunderland are expected to take a positive approach in front of their home support, which should lead to an attacking selection. Simon Adingra is likely to return on the wing in place of Chemsdine Talbi, while Wilson Isidor is set to lead the attack. Lutsharel Geertruida and Bryan Brobbey are both expected to start on the bench.
Newcastle predicted XI
Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Miley; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.
Substitutes: Ruddy, Schar, A. Murphy, Willock, Neave, Ramsey, Elanga, Wissa, Barnes.