It’s derby day. Whether you’re up having breakfast or already two pints deep, the nerves have kicked in all over the North East as we edge closer to today’s 12pm kick-off.
Newcastle take on Sunderland at St James’ Park in our first league meeting on Tyneside for 10 years, and it feels like a must-win game in the context of our season.
Win and we not only restore local pride, but move three points behind Chelsea in sixth. The question is, what team is Eddie Howe going to select when the line ups are released at 10.45am?
> **(4-3-3):** Ramsdale – Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall – Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton – Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.
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> **OUT:** Trippier **IN:** Livramento
I believe there are three tough calls. Tino Livramento or Kieran Trippier at right-back? Sandro Tonali or Joe Willock? Anthony Elanga or Jacob Murphy?
I didn’t include Burn vs Botman in this, as I’m almost certain that Howe selects our Geordie giant for such an occasion, but Tino vs Trippier is a tricky one. Energy vs experience and I think he might just go with the former.
In midfield, I’m sure Tonali will start if fit. However, that isn’t totally clear at this point, so we’d expect Willock to slot in and Ramsey to play in a deeper role if the Italian doesn’t make it.
On the right, Elanga’s two goals in Barcelona must’ve given him a boost, giving him the edge on Murphy, who can be an option from the bench later on if we need his crossing ability to trouble Sunderland’s inevitable low block.
What do you