How Newcastle could line up in Premier League clash vs Sunderland (4-3-3)

For the first time in almost a decade, the Tyne-Wear derby returns to the Premier League, with Newcastle United taking on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

The Magpies are heading into this game with a disappointing record against their neighbours.

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Newcastle have failed to win a league match against the Black Cats since August 2011, when a 62nd-minute strike from Ryan Taylor gave them a narrow 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light.

Since then, the Magpies have gone nine league games without a win against Sunderland (D3, L6).

Newcastle have also failed to claim a win in their last four visits to the Stadium of Light (D1, L3), losing the previous three in a row.

Another defeat would see Eddie Howe set the worst kind of derby record, considering Newcastle have never lost four successive league games away to Sunderland.

Newcastle head into this game on the back of a four-match unbeaten streak, but they’ve been anything but consistent, alternating between victory and a draw in that run.

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Superstitious Newcastle fans will hope that translates to a win, especially with just one point separating both sides ahead of today’s headline fixture.

Newcastle claimed a 3-0 win when both sides faced off in the FA Cup. The Magpies were also victorious in their most recent away game, claiming a 4-1 win against Everton.

But that was their first win on the road this season after failing to win the previous six (D3, L3).

How Newcastle could line up

Howe could make at least three changes from the side that drew Leverkusen in midweek.

Aaron Ramsdale should continue in place of the injured Nick Pope while Fabian Schar returns to partner Malick Thiaw at the heart of the Newcastle backline.

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That should move Dan Burn out to the left, where he’ll likely displace Lewis Hall, while Tino Livramento lines up at right back.

There have been questions about Joelinton’s form in recent weeks, especially after having a night to forget against Leverkusen.

Howe will have an excuse to drop him today with the Brazilian struggling with a groin issue.

Newcastle prodigy Lewis Miley will be ready to take his place in midfield alongside Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.

Jacob Murphy should also return to the XI, lining up in attack alongside Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon.