Newcastle return to action after their 8-3 hiding by Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 with possibly an equally hotly anticipated game: the Tyne and Wear derby.
Eddie Howe’s men largely acquitted themselves well over two and a half legs against the Spanish giants but capitulated in the second half on Wednesday, ultimately losing 7-2 on the night and 8-3 overall.
Now they face North-East rivals Sunderland and will bid to avenge their defeat in the reverse fixture earlier this season – and end an 11-game winless run in this most fiercely fought of fixtures.
In a highly congested mid-section of the Premier League table Sunderland – who lost 1-0 to Brighton at home last time out – sit four places behind their local rivals but just two points behind, so a win would see them leapfrog them into ninth place and be a huge boost going into the final few weeks of the season.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Newcastle vs Sunderland?
Newcastle host Sunderland at St James’ Park on Sunday 22 March, with kick-off at 12pm GMT.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK will be able to follow the game live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, as well as streaming service Sky Go.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
Team news
Sandro Tonali is a doubt after going off in the defeat to Barcelona, joining Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley and Fabian Schar on the injury list.
Dan Ballard, Robin Roefs, Enzo Le Fee and Nordi Mukiele are being monitored and require late fitness tests but Reinildo is available.
Predicted line-ups
Newcastle XI: Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Willock, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Barnes; Gordon
Sunderland XI: Ellborg; Hume, O’Nien, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Diarra, Le Fee; Brobbey
