Sunderland vs Newcastle starting XIs: Black Cats make four changes

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has handed local youngster Paul Dummett his very first start in a Tyne-Wear derby ahead of the 151st iteration of one of the country’s most heated rivalries.

Dummett starts alongside Mike Williamson at centre-back in the only change from the team that drew 2-2 with Liverpool last weekend, a reward for scoring his first professional goal against the Reds.

Gus Poyet has made several changes to the line-up that lost 4-0 to Swansea City last time out with Andrea Dossena, Carlos Cuellar, Jack Colback and Jozy Altidore coming in for Ondrej Celustka, Valentin Roberge. Craig Gardner and Emanuele Giaccherini.

Sunderland fans are hoping that form will be thrown out of the window for the clash as they lie at the bottom of the table, seven points from safety while Newcastle occupy 10th place and could move up to 8th today with a win.