Newcastle United are in Champions League action against Bayer Leverkusen tonight, with Eddie Howe again expected to rotate his starting line-up.
Howe made six changes for the 2-1 win over Burnley on Saturday in preparation for the trip to Leverkusen and Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby away to Sunderland.
It will be the first time the Magpies have played their fiercest rivals in the Premier League since 2016 with local bragging rights at stake.
When asked if he will pick his team against Leverkusen with Sunderland in mind, Howe said: “No, not necessarily. I think we'll pick a team that I think will be strong tomorrow and hopefully strong on Sunday as well.
“We've had quite a few injuries, especially to our backline, which has been there for a few games now, and I think that's an area of concern for us.
“But we come here with a strong squad and we're ready for this week, which, as you say, two massive games for us. But we'll be ready for both.”
Newcastle have no fresh injuries but remain light on bodies in defence with right-backs Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth out until Christmas and Sven Botman waiting for the effects of his back injection to kick in.
The Magpies, however, do have £55m summer signing Yoane Wissa available after he made his long-awaited debut at the weekend.
Here’s the Newcastle United starting XI we’re predicting Howe to name at the BayArena:
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5. LB: Lewis Hall (in for Dan Burn)
Dropped out of the starting XI due to illness at the weekend but managed to come on for the remaining half-hour. | Getty Images
6. CM: Sandro Tonali (in for Bruno Guimaraes)
Tonali picked up a leg injury in the draw versus Spurs but has quickly recovered. | Getty Images
7. CM: Lewis Miley (in for Jacob Ramsey)
Was rested against Burnley, so could return. | Getty Images
8. CM: Joe WIllock
Willock was one of Newcastle's strongest performers against Burnley. | Getty Images