Sam Allardyce is the fourth successive Sunderland manager to face Newcastle in his second game in charge. He aims to secure not only the Wearsiders’ sixth straight win against their neighbours but also his side’s first league victory of the season. Standing in the way are Steve McClaren’s visiting team, fresh from demolishing Norwich 6-2. Much may hinge on a feisty looking central midfield battle potentially pitting Yann M’Vila and Lee Cattermole against Cheik Tioté and Sunderland old boy Jack Colback. Louise Taylor
Kick-off Sunday midday
Venue Stadium of Light
Last season Sunderland 1 Newcastle United 0
Live Sky Sports 1
Referee Robert Madley
This season G7, Y26, R1, 4.00 cards per game
Odds H 6-4 A 2-1 D 12-5
Sunderland
Subs from Mannone, Brown, Coates, Van Aanholt, Larsson, Rodwell, Defoe, Toivonen, Bridcutt, Johnson, Graham
Doubtful Borini (match fitness), Rodwell (ankle), Toivonen (groin)
Injured Matthew (ankle, 25 Oct), Watmore (hamstring, unknown)
Suspended None
Form DLLLDL
Discipline Y25 R2
Leading scorers Defoe, Fletcher, Lens 2
Newcastle United
Subs from Woodman, Williamson, Haïdara, Lascelles, Anita, De Jong, Cissé, Thauvin, Aarons, Mbabu, Gouffran, Toney
Doubtful Aarons (calf), Mbabu (hamstring)
Injured Darlow (ankle, 21 Nov), Taylor (hamstring, Dec), Krul (knee, Aug), Marveaux (groin), Obertan (hamstring), Rivière (knee, all unknown)
Suspended None
Form LLLDLW
Discipline Y18 R2
Leading scorer Wijnaldum 6
