Sunderland-Newcastle United Statistical Preview

Team News

Sunderland

• Although they suffered a heavy defeat to Swansea in his first game in charge, Gus Poyet was boosted by the return of Steven Fletcher, while Wes Brown played his first minutes of reserve action as he steps up his recovery from a long term injury.
• The Uruguayan recalled Phil Bardsley to the starting XI but the right-back had somewhat of a nightmare return, scoring the own goal that set the Swans on their way to a comfortable win, so Colback should return.
• Altidore could return to the starting XI to partner Fletcher up front while the likes of Brown, Cuellar and Diakite could come into a leaky back line.

Newcastle United

• Alan Pardew will be hoping that Steven Taylor is fit again following a hamstring injury, with Coloccini likely to be sidelined for the foreseeable future with a groin problem.
• The visitors have real problems at the back with Yanga-Mbiwa now suspended so youngster Paul Dummett, who scored from the bench against Liverpool, could be thrown in at the deep end in the Tyne-Wear derby.
• Papiss Cisse was dropped to the bench last time out and following the impressive point against the Reds he could continue to miss out with Ben Arfa playing through the middle in his absence.

Prediction

• Gus Poyet’s first home game in charge of Sunderland couldn’t be a more crucial one. Not only is local pride at stake but a loss would see the hosts remain in the mire at the bottom of the table.
• If he is to get the fans on side the new manager needs a result, with the Black Cats next four home fixtures providing little relief as they face Southampton, City, Chelsea and Tottenham.
• Newcastle would love to heap more misery on their rivals but they have problems of their own, particularly at the back, and this may well descend into another blood and thunder affair with more cards than quality.

Sunderland 2 - 2 Newcastle United