Stars back for Sunderland

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has restored his big guns to the starting line-up today as he went in search of derby revenge.

Craig Gordon, Nedum Onuoha, Titus Bramble, Phil Bardsley, Jordan Henderson and Ahmed Elmohamady all return with the Black Cats desperate to avenge their 5-1 drubbing at St James’ Park in October, although there was no place in the 18 for injured duo Lee Cattermole or Danny Welbeck.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew made changes too as he attempts to cope with the loss of key men Andy Carroll, Cheik Tiote and Steven Taylor.

Steve Harper returns in goal and there are starts too for Jose Enrique, Jonas Gutierrez and Shola Ameobi after injury with the striker looking for his seventh goal against Sunderland.

Sunderland: Gordon, Onuoha, Bramble, Ferdinand, Bardsley, Elmohamady, Henderson, Richardson, Malbranque, Gyan, Bent.

Subs: Mignolet, Zenden, Angeleri, Da Silva, Riveros, Reid, Colback.

Newcastle: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Jose Enrique, Barton, Nolan, Smith, Gutierrez, Best, Ameobi.

Subs: Krul, Guthrie, Routledge, Lovenkrands, Perch, Gosling, Ranger.

Referee: Howard Webb.