Overview
- Eddie Howe said derby preparations began only after Newcastle’s 2-2 draw at Bayer Leverkusen and stressed getting players’ arousal levels right for the occasion.
- He signaled limited rotation due to injuries and said he may stick with the Leverkusen starting XI, while hinting at a possible recall for goalkeeper Nick Pope.
- Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka called this the biggest rivalry match of his career and stated the team’s objective is to win.
- Sunderland have started strongly and are unbeaten at home, sitting ninth on 23 points, with Newcastle 12th and one point behind.
- Newcastle have not won a Premier League Tyne–Wear derby in nine attempts, and pundits anticipate a hostile atmosphere and broad national interest in Sunday’s match.