Newcastle United have a chance to exact revenge on their most bitter rivals in Sunderland during this Sunday's Tyne-Wear Derby, but will have to contain a number of Regis Le Bris' key players
Eddie Howe looks on
Eddie Howe is putting his final preparations on Sunday's Tyne-Wear Derby(Image: PA)
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Newcastle United play host to Sunderland AFC in the Tyne-Wear Derby this Sunday, and will have a perfect opportunity to atone for December's reverse at the Stadium of Light.
The Magpies suffered a 1-0 loss in the first meeting between the two clubs this season, courtesy of Nick Woltemade's nightmarish own-goal. In the aftermath of that performance, club captain Bruno Guimaraes labelled his team's efforts as "unacceptable" and "embarrassing."
The loss also extended Newcastle's winless Premier League run against their most fierce rivals to 10 matches. However, Eddie Howe has the chance to exact revenge on Regis Le Bris' Black Cats at St James' Park this weekend.
The Magpies are largely thought to be heavy favourites headed into this weekend's meeting, with Sunderland making the short trip to Tyneside with a heavily depleted squad through injury and in a poor run of form - just one win from their last five top flight games.
However, Howe and his squad will understand that their neighbours are not to be taken lightly, if recent history is anything to go by.
Here, Chronicle Live outlines five players in particular that Newcastle will have to contain to avoid defeat in this weekend's all-important derby, as well as the threats that they pose...
Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka shouts
Granit Xhaka is instrumental to Sunderland's success(Image: Getty Images)
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Arguably Sunderland's signing of the season, Granit Xhaka has been instrumental to the club's survival in the Premier League this term.
The Arsenal legend may be entering the twilight years of his career at 33, but still demands nothing less than perfection from himself and those around him at all times on the pitch.
Hard in the tackle, the holding-midfielder is equally as dangerous going forward - his incisive passes and vision shining this season.
Many matches are won in the centre of the park, and Joelinton, Jacob Ramsey and Guimaraes - if fit - will need to be first to every ball and press effusively to put the Swiss footballer off his game.
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The club has also suffered this season when Xhaka has been out through injury, with their recent poor run of form coming to light in his absence, proving how vital he is to their success.
Brian Brobbey
Brian Brobbey gestures
Brian Brobbey is a force up top(Image: Getty Images)
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An old-school number nine, Brian Brobbey has utilised his strength time and time again this season, backing into defenders, holding the ball up and waiting for support from the wingers and midfielders around him.
Given that Newcastle are one of the most physical teams in the league at present, Dan Burn and Malick Thiaw's duels with the 24-year-old should be a sight to behold.
However, on his day, his laser accurate shooting and aerial ability also prove a considerable threat, as well as his deceptively blistering pace.
Enzo Le Fee
Enzo Le Fee gestures
Enzo Le Fee is non-stop with Sunderland(Image: Getty Images)
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While Enzo Le Fee isn't a player who is decorated in goals and assists this season - with just four of each to show from his 28 appearances - the Frenchman's work ethic over the course of 90 minutes are second-to-none in the Sunderland side.
The roaming midfielder, who can also operate on the left, is constantly in the mix and wanting to receive the ball, while his ability to run at opponents provides another edge to his game.
Le Fee is also fond of feints and privy to a bit of trickery, one of Sunderland's most technically gifted players in recent years.
Omar Alderete
Omar Alderete looks on
Omar Alderete is a rock in the heart of Sunderland's defence(Image: Getty Images)
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Omar Alderete is one of the key reasons that Sunderland's defence is one of the club's most valuable components, the Paraguayan centre-half carrying a no-nonsense attitude with him at all times.
Incredibly reliable with his positioning, comfortable with the ball at his feet and always up for an aerial duel, the 29-year-old has consistently been one of the first names on Le Bris' team sheet this season.
His defending isn't the only thing that Newcastle need to be weary of, however. Alderete is never one to shy away from getting up the field when his team are chasing a goal, and finds himself glued to the ball on corners, crossed free-kicks and long throw-ins.
Chris Rigg
Chris Rigg runs
Chris Rigg has been denied gametime this season(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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While there's no guarantee that Chris Rigg will start Sunday's match, given he has seen incredibly limited game time due to stiff competition in midfield, the teenage wonderkid should not be taken lightly in the event that he graces the pitch of St James' - as evidenced by his recent performance against Brighton.
Similarly to Le Fee, Rigg isn't afraid of running at his opposition, breaking the back line and creating space, giving Newcastle plenty to think about this weekend. Not the strongest player, he could struggle with the physicality of Newcastle.
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