Newcastle United latest news: Eddie Howe has a number of decisions to make when he names his Newcastle United starting XI v Sunderland.
Newcastle United face Sunderland at St James’ Park for the first time in over a decade on Sunday, aiming to banish the demons from their 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light in December.
Howe’s side head into the Tyne-Wear derby in good form in the league, but desperate to bounce back from their 7-2 defeat at the Camp Nou against Barcelona on Wednesday night. Eddie Howe and his side will be desperate to beat their local rivals and strengthen their hopes of finishing in a European position.
However, they will have to do that without Bruno Guimaraes in the squad and with major doubts over Sandro Tonali’s fitness after the Italian international was injured against Barcelona.
Here, we take a look at the Newcastle United starting XI that Howe could pick for Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby. Do you agree with our picks? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there.
Newcastle United predicted XI v Sunderland
Aaron Ramsdale
Ramsdale may have conceded seven on Wednesday night, but it would be a big surprise to see him removed as goalkeeper ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby.
Tino Livramento
Fresh from a call-up to the England squad, Livramento will hope to impress against Sunderland as much as he did last weekend against Chelsea.
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Malick Thiaw
Thiaw may not have enjoyed the best night at the Camp Nou, but he remains an integral part of Howe’s first-team picture.
Dan Burn
Whilst not solely responsible for their defeat at the Stadium of Light, Burn’s injury did have a major impact on how that match unfolded. He, more than any other member of Newcastle United’s squad, will be determined to lead his side to victory this weekend.
Lewis Hall
Hall’s stunning form of late has earned him an England call-up and he will almost certainly start against the Black Cats on Sunday.
Jacob Ramsey
Ramsey has transformed himself into one of Newcastle United’s most important players of late and he could have a major say on how Sunday’s result pans out if he is on top form.
Sandro Tonali
Tonali may be a doubt to feature against Sunderland, but if he is fit then he surely must start in midfield. Not having him or Guimaraes available this weekend would be a major blow to their chances of victory.
Joelinton
Injury kept the Brazilian sidelined at the Stadium of Light in December. He will be desperate to impress this weekend.
Anthony Elanga
Elanga didn’t have the greatest game on Wednesday night, but he still left the Camp Nou with a brace. What a time it would be for him to net his first Premier League goal for Newcastle United on Sunday.
Anthony Gordon
Gordon may not win too many physical battles with his opposite number on Sunday, but his pace will scare the Sunderland defence. If he is on form, as he has been in recent weeks in the Premier League, then he will almost certainly have a say in how Sunday’s match goes.
Harvey Barnes
The front three of Elanga, Gordon and Barnes has fired in recent weeks and hopefully it can do the same this weekend.
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