FA Cup third round LIVE: Sunderland vs Newcastle, Chelsea host Preston, Villa face Middlesbrough – latest

Fans flocking to FA Cup derby tie

This will be a hotly contested battle today.

Two sides with a history of rivalry over the years.

Newcastle fans are enjoying the occasion as they head to enemy territory today.

Black Cats’ boss focussed on fixture

Recently appointed Sunderland manager Michael Beale has spoken about today’s encounter:

It's a fixture that captivates everyone in the north-east but also across the country. We love our derbies in English football. We need to be at our very best, there's obviously a difference between the two clubs at the moment. It's intriguing to put our young Championship squad up against a Champions League squad.

Michael BealeSunderland

Magpies with tough task ahead

Given that they exited the Champions League at the group stage and were dumped out of the Carabao Cup in dramatic fashion at Chelsea, the FA Cup presents a big chance for Eddie Howe.

While many have commented on how good of a job he is doing at St James’ Park, there will become a point where the owners want to see the club win silverware.

Despite reaching the Carabao Cup final last year, the Magpies lost out to Man Utd on the day.

Black Cats impressing in league

Sunderland currently sit sixth in the Championship table and are looking to press for promotion to the Premier League this season.

They were relegated from the top-flight in 2017 and have struggled to get back since.

Today will present a chance to see how ready they are for that return.

Welcome to Sunderland vs Newcastle

Sunderland and Newcastle go head to head in a Tyne-Wear derby this afternoon in one of the standout fixtures of a busy FA Cup weekend.

The Black Cats picked up no new injuries in their recent league win although Patrick Roberts sat out the game due to a calf problem and is a big doubt for today’s game.

Bradley Dack is facing a month on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury on Boxing Day, while Dennis Cirkin has suffered a setback in his recovery and is also likely to miss the Tyne-Wear showdown today.

Corry Evans, Niall Huggins and Jay Matete will all miss out through injury, with Pritchard expected to start if Roberts is not fit for the game.

Neither side are affected by either the Africa Cup of Nations or the Asia Cup.

Newcastle will be missing Sandro Tonali who is suspended until next season due to betting breaches.

Callum Wilson is out for two games with a calf injury, while Kieran Trippier is also expected to miss out as he looks to recover from a groin injury.

Joe Willock, Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes, Matt Targett and Javi Manquillo are among the list of absentees for the visitors and Eddie Howe may give Martin Dubravka a well-earned rest and play Loris Karius.