Team News: Newcastle United unchanged for North-East derby

Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has named an unchanged starting lineup for today's North-East derby at the Stadium of Light.

Last time out the Magpies recorded their first victory of the campaign when they hammered Norwich City 6-2 at St James' Park.

It means that Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez have been given the chance to continue their partnership in attack, while four-goal hero Georginio Wijnaldum will operate in an advanced midfield role.

As for hosting Sunderland, new boss Sam Allardyce has had to pick a side without Fabio Borini, who picked up an injury in training.

Consequently, Steven Fletcher will play as a lone centre-forward, while Jeremain Lens, Ola Toivonen and Adam Johnson have all been drafted into the midfield.

Sunderland: Pantilimon; Yedlin, O'Shea, Kaboul, Jones; Cattermole, M'Vila; Toivonen, Johnson, Lens; Fletcher Subs: Mannone, Van Aanholt, Coates, Larsson, Gomez, Defoe, Watmore

Newcastle United: Elliot; Janmaat, Mbemba, Coloccini, Dummett; Sissoko, Tiote, Colback, Wijnaldum; Perez, Mitrovic Subs: Woodman, Lascelles, Haidara, Anita, Thauvin, De Jong, Cisse

Listen to Sports Mole's thoughts on the derby clash below.

Follow live minute-by-minute commentary of the encounter on Wearside with Sports Mole here.