Newcaslte United host Tottenham Hotspur in the two sides' final Premier League game before the first international break of the season.
This fixture has produced goals galore in recent years, with Newcastle thrashing their opponents on both of the previous two occasions these sides have met at St James' Park. Last season, the North Londoners were defeated by four goals to nil, whilst they were on the end of a horrific 6-1 drubbing under Cristian Stellini in April 2023.
Both sides have had mixed starts to the new campaign, with Sunday's hosts sitting level on points with Tottenham having beaten Southampton and drawn against Bournemouth so far. Meanwhile, the visitors have drawn at Leicester but put in a resounding display to beat struggling Everton a week ago.
Eddie Howe's men did face a midweek clash in the Carabao Cup, as they beat Nottingham Forest via a penalty shootout at the City Ground, with Spurs not featuring during those matches as they do not enter the competition until the third round.
The Lilywhites have failed to win in three of their last four visits to this venue.
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Team news
Centre-back duo Jamal Lascelles and Sven Botman both remain sidelined for this fixture, with the pair both recovering from Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries.
There are further issues for The Magpies in their backline, with another centre-back missing for this one, as Fabian Schar serves the second game of his three-game ban after he was sent off in the opening day win against Southampton.
Sandro Tonali could feature in a Premier League match for the first time since October 2023 after he was banned by the FA for betting breaches. Elsewhere in the middle of the park, Lewis Miley is yet to recover from a foot injury, whilst striker Callum Wilson - who is disliked by Spurs fans - has a back issue.
Joe Willock scored in the midweek cup victory at Nottingham Forest but was forced off with a thigh injury less than a quarter of an hour later, so the former Arsenal man will be unavailable for Eddie Howe on Sunday.
Micky van de Ven has escaped an injury scare after he appeared to fall on his knee awkwardly last weekend.
Elsewhere, Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that club record signing Dominic Solanke will again be missing in action for the clash in the North East, following an injury which he picked up in the opening day draw at the King Power Stadium.
Richarlison would be the perfect candidate to replace the former Bournemouth man up front, but he pulled up sore in the week and will also be out of action, whilst Will Lankshear remains injured. That means Heung-Min Son, who started the 4-0 win at home to Everton up front, or Dejan Kulusevski could be drafted in to start through the middle.
Aside from the issues at the top end of the pitch, Postecoglou has a fully fit squad to work with, and he will also be able to welcome back Rodrigo Bentancur, who was forced to sit out of last week's win due to a head injury.
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Likely lineups
Newcastle (4-3-3); Pope (GK); Krafth, Burn, Kelly, Livramento; Guimaraes (C), Joelinton, Longstaff; Murphy Isak, Gordon.
Tottenham (4-3-3): Vicario (GK); Pedro Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Bentancur, Maddison; Odobert, Kulusevski, Son (C).
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Key players
Newcastle - Bruno Guimaraes
Just two months ago, many were unsure whether the Brazilian midfielder would even be at the club past Friday's transfer deadline day, however, he has captained the side in both of their Premier League games so far, whilst enduring a fine start to the new season.
This game could be won or lost in midfield, with Guimaraes set to go up against Yves Bissouma, who impressed during pre-season and again in the thrashing of Everton.
The Malian midfielder has been the driving force for Postecoglou's men, although inconsistency has been a major issue. In the game in the North East during the 2023/24 season, he was bullied in midfield, and the Brazilian destroyer Guimaraes will be looking to inflict even more damage in that department this time around.
Newcastle's midfield maestro has all the tools to halt Spurs' progress by stopping Yves Bissounma, in what appears to be a mouthwatering clash in the heart of the midfield. Should he perform well, Newcastle could keep up their unbeaten start to the season.
Tottenham - Micky van de Ven
The Dutchman has been a stalwart at the back throughout the first year of his Tottenham career, but fans will recall the one game in which he took a horrific battering - Newcastle away last season when Spurs lost 4-0.
van de Ven must ensure he is at his very best when the two sides come to blows at St James Park on Sunday afternoon, so he can deal with the dangerous threat of Swedish striker Alexander Isak. The former Real Sociedad man is no stranger to playing against Spurs, having scored four times in just three appearances against them.
So far this season, we have seen his quality in full force at both ends of the pitch. On the opening day, the former Wolfsburg man produced a sturdy defensive display, whilst registering an outstanding assist against Everton on match day two, as he strived out of defence and ran the entire length of the field, before slotting in Heung-Min Son who scored.
With his lightning-quick speed, the centre-back is crucial in allowing Postecoglou's side to operate their high line, however, last year in this fixture it was heavily exploited. This battle between defender and striker could determine the outcome of the clash.
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Match details
Where is the game being played?
This game will take place at Newcastle's 52,305-seater stadium - St James' Park.
What time is kick-off?
Due to the North West Derby kicking off at the earlier time of 15:30 BST, this fixture has also been brought forward, meaning proceedings get underway at 13:30 BST on Sunday.
How can I watch?
Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch this entertaining clash on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with pre-match coverage beginning from 12:30 BST.
