Pardew sees options increase

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew could welcome back key defenders Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor for Sunday’s derby trip to Sunderland.

The Argentinian has missed six of the last seven games with a hamstring injury suffered on international duty, while Taylor damaged a calf in the 2-2 draw at Reading on September 29.

Goalkeeper Tim Krul could also be back from an elbow injury he sustained while away with The Netherlands last month, while full-back Danny Simpson (hamstring) might also make it after sitting out the 3-0 defeat by former club Manchester United last time out.

Provisional squad: Krul, Harper, Simpson, Tavernier, Ferguson, Coloccini, S Taylor, Perch, Williamson, Santon, Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Ben Arfa, Anita, Bigirimana, Marveaux, Obertan, Vuckic, Abeid, Amalfitano, Sammy Ameobi, Ba, Cisse, Shola Ameobi, Campbell.