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!
One thing for sure Barnes and Gordon together doesn’t work, better balance when Murphy or Elanga are on RHS.
Miley has to replace Joelinton who is too ill disciplined for this match and doesn’t look fit enough anyway.
The midfield really need to be on it today, and no messing around in defence either.
HWTL.
Joseph(Quote)
Don’t normally comment on here but a lot of the team lacked fire in terms of tackles and aggression. Frustrated with the ref who fell in love with the mackin antics of falling over and claiming for yellow cards. No mention of the studs down the shin of young Lewis and hearing that d head Carrigher saying he was glad that the referee kept it 11v 11 was a kick in the stomach. We lowered ourselves to their game instead of playing our own. U hate to say it but it looked like Eddie set the team out not to lose instead of winning. The season is long and it’s not how you start but how you finish. In Eddie I have faith 💪
Ciarnan James(Quote)