It’s the big one, guys. After nearly eight years without a derby, Sunderland will face Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round on Saturday afternoon. Much has changed since the two North East clubs last clashed in a competitive match. For their part, the Black Cats sank to the depths of League One before bouncing back and coming agonisingly close to promotion from the Championship last season, whereas the Magpies were bought out by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and are now the world’s richest football team.
Sunderland will be hoping against hope that
Sunderland are no strangers to injury crises, and while things have certainly been worse than they are right now on Wearside, the Mackems could still be without a number of first team squad members on Saturday. Full-back Niall Huggins is set to be sidelined for the foreseeable future after undergoing surgery this week, while veteran midfielder Corry Evans is still no nearer to a return.
Summer signing Bradley Dack is a major doubt having missed the Black Cats’ last two outings after limping off injured during the Boxing Day win over Hull City, Luis Hemir has been battling illness of late, and Saturday may come a touch too soon for defender Dennis Cirkin as well.
Elsewhere, Jay Matete is nearing a comeback, but is unlikely to be risked in a fixture of this magnitude after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and there are big question marks over Patrick Roberts’ availability. Speaking earlier in the week, Beale suggested that a call would be made on the winger nearer to Saturday’s match
As for Newcastle, their injury woes continue in earnest. Joe Willock is battling an ongoing achilles issue, Jacob Murphy is sidelined with a shoulder complaint, and Elliot Anderson, while earmarked for a January return, will not feature due to a back problem.
First choice goalkeeper Nick Pope is a definite absence, as are Matt Targett and Javier Manquillo, while there are major doubts over Kieran Trippier’s availability. The England international missed the New Year’s Day defeat against Liverpool, and could be sidelined again this weekend.
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