As Newcastle United prepare for their long-awaited Premier League meeting with Sunderland, the focus turns to Eddie Howe’s team selection and the decisions he must make after a demanding midweek fixture.
The return of the Tyne-Wear derby has raised the stakes for everyone involved, and Howe knows he cannot afford to get anything wrong on a day that means so much to supporters on both sides of the divide. It has been almost a decade since these two rivals met in the league, and with bragging rights on the line once again, every small choice carries weight.
Newcastle’s draw with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday came at a cost, not only in terms of dropped points but also through fatigue that visibly stretched the squad.
They had to work hard to earn that result, and now the challenge is to lift themselves physically and mentally for a match that will be played at an entirely different emotional intensity. Sunderland, who have been waiting all week with fresh legs and a full training rhythm, will not offer any time for recovery once the whistle blows.
The biggest discussion before kick-off surrounds the goalkeeper position. Nick Pope is pushing to return after injury, and his availability immediately puts pressure on Aaron Ramsdale, who has been filling in during his absence.
Although Ramsdale has not made any huge mistakes, he has not looked fully settled either. Pope, despite struggling before his injury, brings the kind of presence and command that can be vital in a derby situation.
His shot-stopping ability and physical style make him better suited to handling Sunderland’s direct approach. If he is declared fit, it feels almost certain he will reclaim his place between the posts.
The defence, on the other hand, looks far more predictable. With Sven Botman, Emil Krafth and Kieran Trippier still sidelined, Howe is expected to stick with the same back four that started in Germany.
Tino Livramento will continue at right-back, with Malick Thiaw partnering Dan Burn in the heart of defence and Lewis Hall operating on the left. Fabian Schär is close to returning but will only be strong enough for the bench. That stability might help Newcastle, even if they have lacked their usual defensive sharpness at times.
One of the biggest concerns for Howe heading into Sunday is the condition of Joelinton. His early exit against Leverkusen caused worry, as he appeared to suffer a groin issue that could have ruled him out.
That kind of injury is difficult to judge, but there is growing confidence that he will be ready to play. Howe values Joelinton’s physicality, aggression, and ability to unsettle opponents, qualities that are priceless in a derby environment.
Even with Lewis Miley pushing hard for a starting place after a bright Champions League display, Joelinton’s experience and power give him the edge if he is anywhere near fit. It will, however, be a performance under pressure, as his form has dipped recently and fans are expecting him to step up.
Alongside him in midfield, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães remain guaranteed starters. Tonali has had moments of inconsistency, but his composure and energy will be needed to calm things down in the centre of the pitch.
Bruno, meanwhile, remains the heartbeat of the team. If Newcastle want to control the match or even slow it down when required, it will be the Brazilian who dictates how it all unfolds.
Newcastle’s attack offers both excitement and uncertainty. Many fans would love to see Yoane Wissa start, but he is still being eased back from injury and will likely be used from the bench again. Instead, Nick Woltemade looks set to lead the line.
The club’s record signing has already shown his finishing ability, scoring seven times so far, and he offers a focal point that can help stretch Sunderland’s defence. On the wings, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon are expected to start.
Gordon arrives in strong form after an excellent showing in midweek, and his confidence will be important as he looks to exploit space and carry the ball forward. Barnes, calm and clinical, has the knack for rising to big occasions.
All of this means Newcastle’s predicted XI for the derby is shaping up clearly, with one major decision resting solely on Pope’s fitness. The rest of the side carries enough balance, pace, and strength to compete, even if fatigue and injuries remain real challenges.
Howe knows the atmosphere will be loud, the pressure enormous and the margin for error tiny. But he also knows that winning at the Stadium of Light would lift the entire club and send supporters home with a memory they will talk about for years.
Predicted XI vs Sunderland: Pope; Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon.
