Newcastle United will make a late decision on Kieran Trippier's fitness ahead of this afternoon's derby away to Sunderland.
The England international missed the 4-2 defeat to Liverpool on New Year's Day because of a groin injury. Trippier could return for the short trip to the Stadium of Light but his involvement is subject to passing a "late test".
Speaking at his Friday press conference, United boss Eddie Howe said: “With Kieran we’re going to give him a late test today and see how he is for tomorrow.”
Other than Trippier, it's as you were for Newcastle as they continue to be impacted by injuries. The likes of Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock and Callum Wilson aren't expected to return until after the Premier League winter break.
There hasn't been a Tyne-Wear derby for almost eight years. Newcastle are in the Premier League, while Sunderland are in the Championship but an unlikely FA Cup third round draw sees the two teams face off.
Even though a division separates the two clubs, history suggests both status and form goes out of the window.
Newcastle arrive on Wearside having lost seven of their last eight matches, with three consecutive defeats seeing Howe's sides slip to ninth in the table.
Sunderland, meanwhile, are four games into Michael Beale's reign after sacking Tony Mowbray last month. Beale has recorded two wins, one draw and one loss with the Black Cats sitting inside the Championship play-offs.
Here's our predicted Newcastle United starting XI:
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. | Getty Images
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Back from injury in place of Tino Livramento. | Getty Images
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. | AFP via Getty Images
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. | AFP via Getty Images