Newcastle and Sunderland are set to resume one of English football’s great rivalries this weekend when the Tyne-Wear foes face each other in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
The Magpies and the Black Cats have not faced each other in a competitive match since 2016 when they were both battling against relegation from the Premier League. The two teams have spent time outside the top flight since, but their newfound wealth and European excursions mean it’s Newcastle who have more to shout about these days.
Sunderland, meanwhile, are undergoing a slower recovery and are contenders for Championship promotion. As Newcastle continue to struggle with injuries, Shaun Maloney’s side will think they have a chance at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Here is the Newcastle team manager Eddie Howe may choose to avoid an upset in the FA Cup.
GK: Loris Karius – It’s common in the FA Cup to see Premier League sides give minutes to the backup goalkeeper. With Nick Pope injured and Martin Dubravka filling in, there could be an opportunity for Loris Karius.
RB: Tino Livramento – This game may come too soon for Kieran Tripper to start, but Livramento has shown himself to be a more than worthy deputy and can play on both sides of defence.
CB: Fabian Schar – There aren’t too many options for Howe to rotate and he should choose Schar as a point of consistency in the team that takes on Sunderland.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles – Sven Botman is expected to be rested having not long returned from injury, which means Lascelles will get another start.
LB: Lewis Hall – Many expected Hall to get more minutes at Newcastle while on loan from Chelsea, so this is a chance for him to show Howe why he should feature more often at left-back.
CM: Lewis Miley – Certainly the shining light of the season for Newcastle, the young Miley will absolutely relish the chance to play against rivals Sunderland for the Magpies.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes – Much like Schar, Guimaraes has been a regular inclusion under Howe and will be needed to ensure Newcastle do not falter at the Stadium of Light.
CM: Sean Longstaff – There are few other options in midfield for Howe right now which means there will be no rest for Longstaff. Like Miley, this will be a huge occasion for him.
RW: Matt Ritchie – Miguel Almiron is expected to be left out here in favour of Ritchie. Almiron has not impressed recently so this is a chance for the Scot to get a run of games if he impresses.
ST: Alexander Isak – With Callum Wilson injured, Isak is almost certain to start. The Sweden international will think there is an opportunity for goals here.
LW: Anthony Gordon – He played on the right wing against Liverpool but Gordon should find himself back on the left for this huge match.
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