3 changes - Predicted Newcastle team to face Sunderland today
Derby day has arrived. 10 years since our last Premier League trip to the Stadium of Light, Newcastle and Sunderland will do battle at 2pm.
We have won three and drawn one of our last four league games, while the Mackems have won just one of their last six, but are unbeaten at home this season.
As the nerves intensify in the build-up to kick-off, here is the side we think Eddie Howe could go with...
Predicted XI
(4-3-3): Pope – Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall – Bruno, Tonali, Miley – Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.
OUT: Ramsdale, Joelinton, Barnes IN: Pope, Miley, Murphy.
It sounds like Pope may be fit to return from a groin injury, and I think Howe will bring him straight back into his XI. Sunderland are a big, physical side who are dangerous from set pieces, meaning Pope’s height, presence and willingness to come for crosses may be preferred to a shorter and far more hesitant Ramsdale, who has looked anything but convincing when balls have come into the box.
The back four picks itself. Perhaps harsh for Schar to miss out again, but there is no chance Burn doesn’t play; a Geordie who gets it, the man for the big occasion, a leader in the group and a player whose height could be key against the likes of Ballard, Mukiele and Alderete.
In midfield, I am 60/40 in my belief that Miley will replace Joelinton. The Brazilian is made for a war in midfield, but Miley has shown recently that he’s improved physically and is able to win headers (his 80% win rate is better than Joelinton’s in the 50s), while also offering a little more composure in possession.
In attack, Gordon was superb in that second half at Leverkusen and has three goals and an assist in his last three, and looks confident again, so I expect him on the left wing, Woltemade up top and Murphy to come back into the side down the right, with Barnes, Elanga and Wissa all options who could make an impact from the bench.
How do you see us lining up today? Let us know in the comments below. Howay the lads!
