Newcastle United will be looking to avenge the 1-0 defeat they suffered at the Stadium of Light in December when they host Sunderland in this season's second instalment of the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday.
Nick Woltemade's own goal early in the second half was the difference between the two sides last time out as Regis Le Bris' outfit enjoyed a derby win to savour.
Ahead of a mouth-watering contest, we've assembled a combined XI based off the current crop of Newcastle and Sunderland players.
GK: Robin Roefs
Whilst he's had to contend with a hamstring injury for several weeks, Robin Roefs gets the nod after an excellent start to life in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old joined Sunderland from NEC Nijmegen in the summer and has staked his claim as one of the signings of the season with a multitude of impressive performances and memorable saves.
Roefs ranks third in the Premier League for save percentage, while no goalkeeper in the top-flight has made more high claims than the Dutchman, which is indicative of his commanding presence in the penalty area.
RB: Tino Livramento
The development of Tino Livramento since returning from an anterior cruciate ligament injury which derailed the early stages of his Newcastle United career has been nothing short of majestic.
The 23-year-old has evolved into one of the Premier League's most complete full-backs; strong in the tackle, dominant in one v one duels, athletic and enterprising in attack.
When fit, Livramento walks into this team and his ability to operate on both flanks also makes him an extremely attractive commodity.
CB: Nordi Mukiele
Another pivotal figure acquired in Sunderland's bold recruitment drive, Nordi Mukiele's played 16 of his 28 appearances at centre-back and been a colossus in all of them, ensuring he edges a starting berth over Dan Ballard and Omar Alderete, who both warrant praise.
Signed in a £12 million deal from Paris Saint-Germain, Mukiele ranks prominently across a number of metrics against his positional peers including tackles (top 1%), duels won (top 8%) and recoveries (top 7%).
The versatile defender has also demonstrated an effectiveness in the opposition penalty area, registering four assists and creating 20 chances.
CB: Sven Botman
Yes, this is a bold call as injuries have restricted Sven Botman to just 25 Premier League appearances since the start of the 2024/25 season, but when the Dutchman is fit there is a compelling case to suggest he's one of the Premier League's most formidable central defenders.
There is an obsession with left-footed centre-backs and Botman has all the key qualities clubs seek in their recruitment; progressive distribution, tactical discipline, aerially strong and quick in a foot race.
Newcastle are a stronger defensive unit when he's present.
LB: Lewis Hall
In at left-back at Lewis Hall who, like several other Newcastle defenders, has endured an injury setback which hasn't derailed his development.
Reinildo Mandava is an unfortunate omission following his commendable transition from La Liga to the Premier League, but Hall receives the nod for his balance of defensive solidity and attacking capability.
The 21-year-old, who ranks in the top five left-backs for percentage of duels won, is deservedly knocking on the door of Thomas Tuchel's England XI heading into the World Cup.
CM: Sandro Tonali
A crucial component of Newcastle's midfield triumvirate, Sandro Tonali's ball-winning ability, abundant energy and delightful influence in possession make him an essential pick.
The Italian's physical and combative style suits Eddie Howe's team perfectly, boasting endless off-the-ball qualities that aid the Magpies' high press.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes
The statement signing at the start of the PIF's rein, Bruno Guimaraes has established himself as one of Europe's most well-rounded midfielders.
Similarly to Tonali and Joelinton, the Brazilian is industrious when Newcastle are out of possession, but it's his added technical attributes that put him in a different league.
A tenacious operator with a keen eye for a goal, Newcastle's adopted Geordie has been vital to the club's recent successes.
CM: Granit Xhaka
While Joelinton may count himself unlucky not to make the team, Granit Xhaka's influence since joining Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen has been immeasurable.
Ranking prominently across a number of metrics against his positional peers including assists, big chances created and aerial duels won, Xhaka's excellence speaks for itself.
It's not just his technical qualities that stand out, having proven a gifted leader since being handed the captain's armband upon his arrival.
RW: Anthony Gordon
There were suggestions that the £40m Newcastle paid for Anthony Gordon was excessive, but the Liverpool-born winger has undoubtedly made the fee look reasonable in recent years.
Blessed with blistering pace and a desire to take on his opponent in every situation, Gordon can blow hot and cold in front of goal and has struggled to live up to his 2023/24 season, where he notched 11 goals and 15 assists in the Premier League.
With that said, there's few wingers more effective than the Liverpudlian when he's fit and firing.
LW: Enzo Le Fee
Few could believe that Sunderland had pulled off the signing of Enzo Le Fee in the 2024/25 January transfer window, and while he wasn't extraordinary in the Championship, he's come into his own since the club earned promotion to the top flight.
A vital component in how Sunderland's attack functions. it's Le Fee's defensive contributions which are invaluable for Le Bris' team and the Frenchman is one of the league's best wingers when operating in his own half to protect his own backline.
Aged 26, you'd suspect that Le Fee will evolve and become one of Sunderland's key assets in the coming seasons.
ST: Nick Woltemade
At the time of the previous fixture between these two teams, Nick Woltemade was a shoo-in to feature in the combined XI, although a 12-match barren run and spells in central midfield have weakened his credibility.
Filling the shoes of Alexander Isak was always going to be an arduous task, but Woltemade initially made a seamless transition with four goals in his opening five appearances.
Whilst Brian Brobbey has been in an extremely effective target man for Sunderland, Woltemade's potential means he gets the nod in this instance.
