Newcastle United travel to the Stadium of Light to face Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland on Saturday, hoping to advance to the FA Cup fourth round.
The Magpies head into the Tyne-Wear derby in wretched form, having lost seven of their last eight games including the penalty shoot-out exit in the Carabao Cup to Chelsea last month. They were battered 4-2 by Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League on New Year’s Day, leaving the Toon Army ninth in the table—11 points off the top four.
Eddie Howe is under severe pressure at the moment and would expect a stirring response at the weekend from his boys to the recent Liverpool defeat.
Newcastle United Team News
Newcastle United suffered a double injury blow to start 2024, with Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson missing the 4-2 defeat to Liverpool. They were still handed a boost by the return of Joelinton to the first XI and Jamaal Lascelles on the bench at Liverpool following their respective injuries.
Meanwhile, Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson, Javier Manquillo, Jacob Murphy, Matt Targett and Nick Pope all remain sidelined.
Predicted Newcastle lineup vs Sunderland (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Martin Dubravka saved Newcastle an embarrassment with a string of fine saves against Liverpool at Anfield on Monday. While his team lost 4-2, the Slovakian would have taken a lot of confidence from his display in goal.
Defence
Unless Kieran Trippier recovers from a groin issue in time, Eddie Howe is expected to go with the same back four that started at Anfield. This means Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento all start in the Newcastle lineup.
Botman will start beside Schar in central defence, with Livramento and Burn operating from right-back and left-back, respectively in the Newcastle lineup.
The full-backs will look to stretch Sunderland with their overlapping runs and energy but must help out the central defenders when required.
Midfield
Bruno Guimaraes is a sure-fix starter in the No.6 role in the Newcastle lineup, and he will look to dictate the pace of the game with his passing, drive, energy and ball-winning skills. Joelinton and Sean Longstaff will start alongside Bruno and the duo will look to add creativity and drive to the Newcastle midfield.
Lewis Miley will drop to the bench after enduring a chastening outing in the middle of the park against Liverpool.
Attack
Miguel Almiron will be recalled into the Newcastle lineup, with the Paraguayan joining Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in the attack. With their pace, dynamism and flair, the trio can make life difficult for the Sunderland defenders at the Stadium of Light.
Lewis Hall and Matt Ritchie could get opportunities to make an impact off the bench.