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Sunderland vs Newcastle United Preview:

Steve Bruce's men look to overcome poor home record against local rivals
Both sides go into the Tyne-Wear derby after draws on the opening day, but the Magpies still hold the bragging rights from last year's 5-1 thrashing at St James' Park

John O’Shea could make his debut for the Black Cats against their biggest rivals if he recovers in time from a hamstring injury, though Steve Bruce is unlikely to rush his new signing into action. Elsewhere, after a goal-scoring debut against Liverpool last week, Sebastian Larsson is expected to keep his place on the right wing, while 21-year-old Jack Colback also made a good impression at Anfield and may retain his place in the centre of midfield. Asamoah Gyan is likely to be the lone striker, with support coming in the shape of Stephane Sessegnon.

After last week’s impressive defensive display against Arsenal, Alan Pardew is likely to keep the back four settled, with Ryan Taylor deployed at left-back following the sale of Jose Enrique to Liverpool. Meanwhile, Joey Barton looks set to retain his place in the side despite his precarious position at the club, as do the sturdy partnership of Demba Ba and Shola Ameobi in attack.

PROBABLE LINEUPS:

Sunderland: Mignolet, Bardsley, Brown, Ferdinand, O'Shea, Larsson, Cattermole, Colback, Richardson, Sessegnon, Gyan.

Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, S Taylor, Coloccini, R Taylor, Cabaye, Barton, Tiote, Gutierrez, Ameobi, Ba.

Head to Head:

Premier League ‎(EPL)‎ 16 Jan 2011 Sunderland 1 - Newcastle United 1
Premier League ‎(EPL)‎ 31 Oct 2010 Newcastle United 5 - Sunderland 1
Premier League ‎(EPL)‎ 1 Feb 2009 Newcastle United 1 - Sunderland 1
Premier League ‎(EPL)‎ 25 Oct 2008 Sunderland 2 - Newcastle United 1

Last Five Matches:

Sunderland