Eddie Howe is preparing for only his second Tyne-Wear Derby as Newcastle United manager, and the tension surrounding this one feels far heavier than his first. The last time Newcastle met Sunderland was in the FA Cup early in 2024, when Howe’s side comfortably claimed a 3-0 win against a Black Cats team clearly struggling in the Championship.
This time, everything looks different. Sunderland are now in the Premier League under Regis Le Bris and currently sit above Newcastle in the early table, leaving Howe desperate for a strong response from his inconsistent squad.
Wednesday night’s performance in the Champions League hardly offered comfort. Newcastle’s 2-2 draw at Bayer Leverkusen exposed several weaknesses and raised questions that Howe must answer quickly.
The late equaliser from Alejandro Grimaldo summed up the frustration of the evening, especially for Anthony Gordon, who once again found the net but still left Germany feeling disappointed that his side failed to hold on.
Gordon’s form means his place in the starting lineup is secure, but the same cannot be said for others. Joelinton limped off with an injury and had struggled throughout the match, winning only two duels before being forced off. His availability for the derby looks doubtful, and even if he is fit, Howe may be reluctant to start him.
Sandro Tonali also endured a difficult night, misplacing passes and looking unsteady in possession. It was one of those evenings where several of Newcastle’s core players fell short of their usual standards.
Malick Thiaw was fortunate to avoid a red card early in the game, and even Bruno Guimaraes, usually the heartbeat of the team, gifted Leverkusen their opening goal with a rare mistake in front of Aaron Ramsdale.
Despite that error, Guimaraes has plenty of credit in the bank. His stunning goal in the previous Premier League match against Burnley reminded everyone of the quality he brings. He remains a crucial part of Howe’s squad and the kind of player you want in a heated derby.
This season, he is winning an impressive 5.4 duels per game, and he has rightly been called the club’s “talisman” by pundits such as Michael Carrick. His presence alone makes Newcastle stronger in battles that require grit, cleverness and leadership.
Yet, Howe may have another player emerging who carries a similar spark to Guimaraes. Lewis Miley, the young midfielder who continues to develop at an extraordinary pace, is becoming impossible to ignore.
At just 19, Miley looks like another Guimaraes in the making, a player with composure beyond his years and an ability to change a game in an instant.
The manager now has more depth to work with, especially with Yoane Wissa returning from injury and giving Newcastle an extra attacking option alongside summer signing Nick Woltemade.
But the real decision for Howe comes in midfield. With Joelinton likely out and Tonali struggling for form, Miley has pushed himself into serious contention for a starting spot against Sunderland.
Miley’s confidence is growing with each game, and his goal against Leverkusen making him the youngest scorer in Newcastle’s Champions League history was another step forward.
Speaking after the match, he admitted he didn’t even know he had broken the record. To him, it was just a special moment in a dream he has worked toward since childhood.
He explained how he always scored plenty of goals in the academy and is now trying to bring that same instinct into his senior game. Two goals in recent weeks suggest he is succeeding.
What stands out most is how naturally he finds the right positions at the right moments. His header from Gordon’s cross showed awareness, timing and confidence all qualities that have long defined Guimaraes’ best performances.
For a 19-year-old with limited starts, reaching four goal contributions already this season is remarkable. Guimaraes is ahead of him, but he has played far more minutes.
| Miley’s numbers by season for Newcastle | ||
|---|---|---|
| Season | Games | Goals + Assists |
| 25/26 | 17 | 2 + 2 |
| 24/25 | 19 | 2 + 0 |
| 23/24 | 23 | 1 + 4 |
| 22/23 | 1 | 0 + 0 |
| Sourced by Transfermarkt | ||
What makes Miley even more exciting is his mentality. Ever since making his debut at 17, he has never looked intimidated by senior football. He plays with a calmness that suggests he already understands the weight of wearing the Newcastle shirt. Many inside the club see captaincy potential in him for the future, once the current leaders eventually move on.
NBC Sports’ Robbie Earle once called him a “little diamond,” and the label feels accurate. Miley shines brightest in the toughest moments—something Newcastle desperately need heading into a derby that will demand bravery and composure.
If Howe chooses to start him on Sunday, Miley will approach the game with the same cool determination he has shown in every challenge so far. He may still be growing, still learning and still building toward the player he can become, but he already carries the traits that make Bruno Guimaraes the heartbeat of the current side.
Newcastle might just have another one of those special players on their hands and the next chapter of his rise could begin against Sunderland.
