How we think Eddie Howe will line up his Newcastle United side to face Sunderland on Sunday

Newcastle United take on Sunderland in the first Wear-Tyne derby in the Premier League for nine years at 2pm on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

This is going to be a massive test of character for Eddie Howe's side, who have been lacking their usual winning mentality this season.

Sunderland have started the season brilliantly, but a win for Newcastle will see the Magpies go above their local rivals for the first time this season.

We're expecting that Eddie Howe may spring a surprise or two on us, but we're not sure what they'll be, so this is the team we've gone with.

Goalkeeper

Aaron Ramsdale - This one we're pretty certain of, unless Nick Pope has made a miraculous recovery.

Defenders

Tino Livramento - There have been some rumours about his future, but as long as these don't distract him from his duties, we're all good.

Malick Thiaw - The German defender didn't have the best game in midweek, but we still back him to do the job on Sunday.

Dan Burn - BDB will know more than anyone what this fixture means. He's surely a certainty to start.

Lewis Hall - Another Newcastle supporting player. That's what we want.

Midfielders

Bruno Guimaraes - He may not be from Newcastle, but he is a Geordie. He'll know what to do.

Sandro Tonali - Howe said he hasn't been 100% but he needs time on the pitch. Let's hope he's close to his best.

Lewis Miley - Joelinton picked up a knock in midweek, but we'd have put Miley in over him anyway based on recent performances.

Forwards

Jacob Murphy - Got to maximise the Newcastle connections for such an important game.

Yoane Wissa - He probably won't see out the whole game, but it could be his first start for the club.

Anthony Gordon - Three goals in his last three games all from the penalty spot, but that's still form.

This is how we'd line it up, but we've just got a feeling that Howe is going to try something different. Not sure why.