For the first time in almost a decade, the Tyne-Wear derby returns to the Premier League, with Newcastle United taking on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
The Magpies come into this match with a disappointing record against their neighbors.
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Newcastle have failed to win a league match against the Black Cats since August 2011, when Ryan Taylor’s 62nd-minute goal gave them a narrow 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light.
Since then, the Magpies have gone nine league games without a win against Sunderland (D3, L6).
Newcastle have also failed to win in their last four visits to the Stadium of Light (D1, L3), losing the previous three in a row.
Another defeat would see Eddie Howe set the worst derby record, considering Newcastle have never lost four consecutive league games to Sunderland.
Newcastle come into this match on the back of a four-game unbeaten streak, but they have not been consistent at all, alternating between a win and a draw in that streak.
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Superstitious Newcastle fans will be hoping that translates into a win, especially with just one point separating both teams ahead of today’s marquee match.
Newcastle claimed a 3-0 victory when the two teams met in the FA Cup. The Magpies were also victorious in their last away game, recording a 4-1 victory against Everton.
But that was their first away win this season after failing to win the previous six (E3, L3).
How Newcastle could line up
Howe could make at least three changes from the team that drew with Leverkusen in midweek.
Aaron Ramsdale should continue in place of the injured Nick Pope, while Fabian Schar returns to partner Malick Thiaw at the heart of Newcastle’s defence.
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That should move Dan Burn to the left, where he will likely displace Lewis Hall, while Tino Livramento will line up at right-back.
There have been doubts over Joelinton’s form in recent weeks, especially after having a night to forget against Leverkusen.
Howe will have an excuse to quit today as the Brazilian battles a groin problem.
Newcastle prodigy Lewis Miley will be ready to take his place in midfield alongside Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
Jacob Murphy should also return to the XI, lining up in attack alongside Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon.