Newcastle vs Sunderland: 11 things you need to know ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby; Sunderland travel to Newcastle for the always-highly anticipated Tyne-Wear derby with the home send looking to avenge three straight defeats.
Byline: Craig Johns
It's the big one tomorrow. The one that every Newcastle and Sunderland fan looks out for when the fixtures are announced.
It's the first Tyne-Wear derby of the season, with this one taking place at St James' Park - just as the last one was back in February when Sunderland won 3-0 for a second consecutive time at the ground, and the third in a row overall.
Always one of the most highly-anticipated games of the season, Here are 11 things you need to know about tomorrow's derby.1. When is it and where can I watch it?
The games kicks off tomorrow (Sunday, December 21) at 1.30pm at St James' Park. For those without a ticket the game is also televised on Sky Sports with live build-up starting at 12.30pm.
Sunderland AFC are also hosting a special day at the Stadium of Light where they will screen the game on a big screen inside the ground with a host of different packages available to fans.
You can also keep up to date with the action by following our live blog of the game with Lee Ryder (Newcastle) and James Hunter (Sunderland) both present and updating you throughout.2. Team news
Newcastle have mainly positive news on the injury front with four players returning to training after missing the Tottenham League Cup defeat.
Papiss Cisse and Steven Taylor were both back in training yesterday while Sammy Ameobi and Cheick Tiote were set to return to the training field today.
Alan Pardew also revealed in his Press conference yesterday that Jak Alnwick would be available after shaking off the shoulder injury he got in the Spurs defeat.
Pardew's opposite number Gus Poyet did not reveal any new injuries in his Press conference yesterday, but did say that his hopes of having Billy Jones fit in time had been dashed because he was still a week away from being in contention.
He did leave the door open for Emanuele Giaccherini to return, though, after he spent some time on the treatment table.
Up front it is expected that Steven Fletcher will return to the side at the expense of Jozy Altidore.3. Reasons for Newcastle fans to be optimistic
The Magpies have home advantage in this one and have enjoyed the better start to the season -- although it did get off to a slow start.
They're seven points better off than their Wearside rivals and have scored more goals while also conceding less.
Sunderland have also not won in six.4. Reasons for Sunderland fans to be optimistic
While current form may not be in their favour, they hold the bragging rights...
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