Newcastle United predicted XI vs Sunderland: Magpies out to bounce back from Champions League howler | OneFootball

St. James’ Park will host a high-stakes Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday as Newcastle United look to avenge December’s 1-0 defeat to rivals Sunderland.

While Eddie Howe’s men have secured wins over Manchester United and Chelsea in their last two Premier League outings, they are reeling from a midweek 7-2 Champions League exit to Barcelona.

With local pride on the line and a European finish still in sight, Newcastle must regroup quickly for this weekend’s assignment.

Captain Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley are officially ruled out, while Sandro Tonali is a major doubt after limping off in Catalonia.

This likely forces a makeshift midfield trio of Joelinton, Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey.

Defensively, the loss of Fabian Schar necessitates a centre-back partnership of Dan Burn and Malick Thiaw, although Sven Botman is also an option.

Tino Livramento is expected to return to the starting XI in place of Kieran Trippier, with Lewis Hall retaining his place at left-back.

Aaron Ramsdale endured a torrid outing against Barcelona, but he is not in any imminent danger of losing his starting spot to Nick Pope.

In attack, Howe has recently favoured Anthony Gordon as the number nine, but Nick Woltemade could be tasked with leading the line here, flanked by Gordon and Anthony Elanga.

Elanga enters the derby on a high after scoring a brace at Camp Nou and should keep Jacob Murphy out of the XI once again.