Sunderland are just hours away from hosting their first Wear-Tyne derby in almost eight years.
The Black Cats have been waiting a month for their highly-anticipated clash on Wearside, ever since they were drawn against Newcastle United in last month’s FA Cup third round draw.
The build-up to the game has so far been intense, nervy and passionate, with neither team too convinced that they will scrape the victory at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.
Both clubs have been served their injury woes though, with Newcastle certainly the most concerning of the two.
The Magpies are without a number of key players including Nick Pope, Joe Willock and Callum Wilson.
Sunderland remain without the likes of Corry Evans, Jay Matete and Niall Huggins, though their solid 2-0 win over Preston North End last night has given them something to cheer about.
The main worry for Michael Beale’s side is the potential absence of Patrick Roberts, who was forced off in the draw with Rotherham United. The Sunderland boss has admitted that the winger is a ‘big doubt’, which would be a huge blow their chances.
Ahead of an absolute corker of a match on Wearside, here is our predicted starting line-up…
Sunderland predicted XI vs Newcastle United
Anthony Patterson will resume his place in between the sticks, despite a slight blip in recent games.
The goalkeeper gave away the penalty that resulted in defeat the 1-0 defeat to Bristol City last month, before going onto make a significant mistake that gifted Coventry City another goal in their 3-0 hammering the following week.
Patterson has looked very solid since though, and will be desperate to impress for his boyhood club.
Trai Hume keeps his place on the right of defence, with arguably the toughest ask of the afternoon if he is to come up against Anthony Gordon.
Aji Alese returned from injury and will definitely keep his place on the left, with both Dennis Cirkin and Huggins sidelined.
Luke O’Nien and Dan Ballard continue their partnership in the heart of defence.
I wouldn’t be disappointed if Michael Beale did opt for five at the back, but I think he may take the risk with the formation that has claimed two clean sheets in the last three games.
Pierre Ekwah has looked much better in recent weeks after disappointing since returning from injury in October, and so will take his place in the midfield. Dan Neil will line up next to him – likely to play a very important role against his own local rivals.
Jobe Bellingham will sit slightly further forward, after spending a large chunk of the campaign as a lone striker. Instead, Nazariy Rusyn takes up that role after scoring his first goal for the club against Preston.
Unsurprisingly, Jack Clarke occupies the left-wing spot. With Patrick Roberts likely out, Alex Pritchard is on the right, but is likely to spend a lot of the match in a more central position.