The Wear-Tyne derby returns as a Premier League fixture for the first time in nine years this weekend, and it’s shaping up to be far more evenly matched than many expected when the season kicked off.
Sunderland have taken to top-flight football with a remarkable start, sitting above their rivals in the table. Newcastle, meanwhile, haven’t quite hit the heights fans hoped for, leaving this derby feeling less like a formality and more like a genuine toss-up.
The usual December festivities and Christmas cheer? Yeah, those are on hold. This weekend it’s Jägerbombs and beer.
At least for Transfer News Blitz writer Taylor Stephenson, who will try to stay impartial while assembling the Combined XI of the season so far.
Whether he succeeds is up for debate. Let’s get into it.
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Goalkeeper – Robin Roefs
Robin Roefs. Next.
Seriously – this is a no-brainer. The Dutch goalkeeper is rapidly becoming one of the signings of the season. His shot-stopping, composure, and distribution have been vital to Sunderland’s system, and he has single-handedly kept them in multiple games.
On the other side, Nick Pope has struggled with a string of errors and mounting pressure before his injury. No contest.
Right back – Nordi Mukiele
This one is tight. On paper, Tino Livramento is good enough to edge most right-backs in the league. But this season, Nordi Mukiele has been just that bit better.
Livramento missing five games through injury matters here; Mukiele hasn’t just filled a gap – he’s been a monster in a superb Sunderland backline.
You can argue either way, but I’ve gone Mukiele. Deal with it.
Centre backs – Malick Thiaw & Dan Ballard
See? I told you I could be impartial. Put the pitchforks down, Newcastle fans.
When Malick Thiaw arrived in the summer, most assumed he’d be a squad option. Instead, he’s become one of Newcastle’s most consistent performers—strong at the back, dangerous from set pieces, and good enough to earn a recall to the Germany squad, helped by that brace against Everton.
Dan Ballard, meanwhile, has been one of Sunderland’s biggest surprises. His injury-hit time on Wearside made many wonder whether he was ready for the Premier League.
He’s answered that emphatically. Physical, fearless, relentless, and a threat in the opposition box – he embodies exactly what North East fans demand.
That goal against Coventry certainly cemented his cult status.
Left Back – Reinldo Mandava
Another straightforward pick. Reinildo has been rock-solid since joining on a free from Atlético Madrid. You can tell he’s been coached by Diego Simeone: aggressive, disciplined, and demanding of those around him.
His experience has elevated the entire backline, and Sunderland will miss him badly when he jets off to AFCON.
Midfielders – Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali & Granit Xhaka
Bruno Guimarães has been Newcastle’s standout player this season. Joint-top goalscorer, joint-top assister, and once again the emotional heartbeat of the team.
He wears his heart on his sleeve – exactly the kind of player who thrives in this part of the world.
Sandro Tonali hasn’t contributed goals, but his influence is undeniable.
His reading of the game, ball recovery, and progression have made him Newcastle’s tactical mastermind, freeing others to attack.
And then there’s Granit Xhaka, arguably the best player in the North East this season.
Honestly, it’s still baffling that Sunderland managed to sign him. His leadership, quality, and presence have transformed the entire squad. Without him, Sunderland simply wouldn’t be where they are.
It’s not outrageous to suggest he might be one of Sunderland’s greatest-ever players. Yep – he’s been that good.
Right wing – Enzo Le Fee
Neither side has been consistently dangerous in the final third, but Enzo Le Fée has been one of the brightest sparks.
Even though he’s played mostly on the left, he deserves a place in this XI. With two goals and three assists, he sits just behind Xhaka in chance creation, and his defensive work is elite – he leads Sunderland in tackles.
A creative force and a defensive engine. Easy pick.
Left wing – Harvey Barnes
Harvey Barnes hasn’t exactly torn the league apart, but he’s been the best available option on the left so far. His brace against Manchester City highlighted what he can offer when he’s fully fit and firing.
Simple pick, minimal fuss.
Striker – Nick Woltemade
If fashion sense counted, Nick Woltemade wouldn’t make the squad—but thankfully for him, it doesn’t.
There were doubts over his hefty price tag, but the German forward silenced critics quickly with a strong start. The goals have dried up somewhat – just one in seven league outings, but his overall play still shows he’s got the quality Newcastle paid for.
Magpies fans shouldn’t panic just yet.
Eyes on the game
Right, can I stop being impartial now?
Before the season began, Newcastle supporters would have expected to brush aside their newly promoted rivals. But Sunderland have proven they belong at this level, and the confidence on Tyneside has washed away a little – The only thing that does wash up there.
I’ll avoid making a prediction, because I’m not jinxing anything.
But I will say this – FTM.
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