Preview: Newcastle United vs. Sunderland

Newcastle United have been boosted by the news that third-choice goalkeeper Jak Alnwick has been passed fit for the North-East derby with Sunderland.

Alnwick, who only made his debut against Chelsea two weeks ago, will continue between the sticks with Tim Krul and Rob Elliot still nursing injuries.

Defender Steven Taylor is also expected to be fit, with Newcastle in need of a response after suffering heavy defeats to Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur during the past seven days.

However, manager Alan Pardew will be aware that victory at St James' Park will cement their place in the top half of the standings over the Christmas period.

Sunderland make the short trip to Tyneside having recorded draws in five of their last six games but head coach Gus Poyet will be encouraged by the performances of his team.

During that period, the Black Cats have held both Chelsea and Liverpool, with their only defeat coming against a Manchester City outfit inspired by Sergio Aguero.

Poyet is expected to include Steven Fletcher, with Jozy Altidore potentially dropping out of the side, while Billy Jones and Emanuele Giaccherini are in contention for a starting role.

Newcastle United:

Form in Premier League: WWLDWL Form in all competitions: WLDWLL

Possible starting lineup: Alnwick; Janmaat, Taylor, Coloccini, Dummett; Tiote, Colback; Gouffran, Perez, Ameobi; Cisse

Sunderland:

Recent form: DDDLDD

Possible starting lineup: Pantilimon, Vergini, Reveillere, O'Shea, Brown, Cattermole, Larsson, Gomez, Johnson, Wickham, Fletcher

Sports Mole says: 2-1