Eddie Howe has named two changes to his Newcastle United starting XI for this afternoon's Tyne-Wear derby clash at Sunderland.
The Magpies take on the Black Cats for the first time in almost eight years. Howe has recalled Kieran Trippier, who is back from a groin issue, and Miguel Almiron. Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley are the ones to drop out from the 4-2 loss at Liverpool on New Year's Day.
United have lost seven of their last eight games in all competitions but the visit to the home of their local rivals is a chance to get the season back on track, says Howe.
“When the draw was made we made reference to the draw and I gave a couple of the Geordies an opportunity to speak about the fixtures, this was some way back, just to set the scene," said Howe.
"Since then behind the scenes, they’ve been playing a role, not necessarily being used by me to do any more than we need to do really. I think the players know everything they need to know about the fixture and they know what it means to everybody.
"Sometimes you can overkill that so I think it’s then a case of how we’re going to play and what we’re going to do and how we’re going to execute our play. It’s been very formulated that way."
Here's Newcastle United's starting XI and subs in full:
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
Dubravka was Newcastle's man of the match at Anfield on Monday with 10 saves. He'll hope for a quieter afternoon on Wearside.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Back from injury in place of Tino Livramento.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
The Swiss international has missed just two game this campaign having established himself as one of the club's most consistent performers.
4. CB: Sven Botman
Botman scored to make it 3-2 at Anfield on Monday but is still feeling his way back to full match sharpness after three months out.