Where could Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby between Newcastle United and Sunderland be won and lost?
Sunderland will hope to get the better of arch rivals Newcastle United once again when they travel to St James Park for the latest Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday.
A Nick Woltemade own goal helped the Black Cats to a memorable win in the first meeting of the two sides in December and Sunderland will hope to complete a league double over the Magpies with a win on Tyneside this weekend. But where could the latest chapter of one of English football’s longest running rivalries be won and lost?
Where could the Tyne-Wear derby be won and lost?
Eddie Howe and Regis Le Bris.placeholder image
Eddie Howe and Regis Le Bris. | Getty Images.
Regis Le Bris v Eddie Howe
The Black Cats boss certainly enjoyed his first experience of the Wear-Tyne derby thanks to an energetic and intense performance that laid the foundations for a 1-0 home win against the Magpies in December. Both managers have some major calls to make ahead of the game and it seems likely a tactical battle will play out once again.
Brian Brobbey v Dan Burn
Two powerhouses will go head-to-head if, as expected, Brobbey is fit enough to take his place in the starting line-up. Burn will be hoping for better memories after he suffered a serious injury in Newcastle’s defeat on Wearside earlier this season.
Noah Sadiki v Joelinton
Sadiki seems to be getting better and better as his first season in the Premier League continues and he will be key in what should be an eye-catching battle in the middle of the park as he faces up to Brazil international Joelinton, who is something of a tone setter for the Magpies.
Dan Ballard v Anthony Gordon
Just how good has Ballard been since Sunderland were promoted? The newly crowned North East Football Writers Player of the Year will hope to quell Gordon’s threat if the England man is named in the lead role in attack.
Granit Xhaka v Sandro Tonali
Two key men that could ultimately decide the fate of the midfield battle and the destination of the three points. Xhaka’s addition has been an inspired one and he will relish going head to head with another high class midfielder in Tonali.
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