Overview
- Kickoff is at 2pm at the Stadium of Light, with live coverage on Sky Sports Main Event.
- This is the first top-flight meeting since 2016, with just a point separating the teams and Sunderland’s surprise starters holding an unbeaten home league record.
- Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien is suspended, Aji Alese and Habib Diarra remain out, and Reinildo is in contention after a groin issue, according to reports.
- Newcastle face doubts over Joelinton and a fitness test for goalkeeper Nick Pope, with Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Emil Krafth and Will Osula sidelined, and Eddie Howe urging his side to impose themselves and “quieten the crowd.”
- Sunderland will pay tribute before kickoff to club legend Gary Rowell, who died aged 68 after a long battle with leukaemia.