We’ve an early start this Sunday, as a lip-smacking Tyne-Wear derby clash kicks-off at midday to begin a conveyer belt of football. Proceedings continue with United’s visit to Stoke, with Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie carrying the armband hopes of many. Following that, we’ve the FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea at City at Wembley to round off our day.
The Dugout Discussion chatroom will be open throughout, ready to cater for those who like to throw their views and emotions into a real-time arena.
The team news from St James’ Park delivers changes across the board. Alan Pardew can welcome back Cheick Tiote and Mathieu Debuchy following their recovery from injury, while Steven Taylor also returns to the defence after missing the midweek Europa League tie. With Sylvain Marveaux and Yoan Gouffran also making returns after missing the European encounter, Newcastle show five changes in all. Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Massadio Haidara, Vurnon Anita and Gael Bigirimana all drop out having played their part on Thursday. It’s a 4-2-3-1 again from the Magpies, with Moussa Sissoko again providing the support for the in-form Papiss Cisse up front; Hatem Ben Arfa is on the bench.
Paulo Di Canio also makes changes from the side that lost out at Chelsea, recalling Carlos Cuellar to the defence in place of Matthew Kilgallon. James McClean comes in for the suspended Craig Gardner, whilst Danny Graham earns a recall with Connor Wickham missing out through injury.
