Dugout Discussion
22 March 2026 331 comments
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The Tyne-Wear derby kicks off the action on Sunday, with Newcastle United hosting Sunderland at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s side lost the reverse fixture 1-0 and come into this clash after Wednesday’s heavy defeat to Barcelona. They have, however, beaten Manchester United and Chelsea in consecutive Gameweeks.

As for Sunderland, they have only one win in their last six Premier League matches.

Kick-off is scheduled for 12pm GMT.

TEAM NEWS

Malick Thiaw drops to the bench for Newcastle, as Eddie Howe makes two changes from the side that lost in midweek.

Sandro Tonali misses out completely after going off injured in the Nou Camp.

In come Sven Botman and Nick Woltemade.

Anthony Gordon presumably starts up front, with Woltemade in midfield.

Sunderland’s only change from Gameweek 30 is an enforced one.

Luke O’Nien comes into the side in place of the injured Dan Ballard, who is not in the matchday squad.

Robin Roefs is also out for the visitors.

Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo Mandava and Enzo Le Fee are all named among the substitutes.

LINE-UPS

Newcastle United XI: Ramsdale, Trippier, Botman, Burn, Hall, Ramsey, Joelinton, Elanga, Woltemade, Barnes, Gordon

Subs: Pope, Wissa, Thiaw, Osula, Livramento, J Murphy, Willock, A Murphy, Neave

Sunderland XI: Ellborg, Geertruida, O’Nien, Alderete, Hume, Xhaka, Diarra, Sadiki, Rigg, Talbi, Brobbey

Subs: Moore, Reinildo, Cirkin, Mukiele, Le Fee, H Jones, J Jones, Mayenda, Isidor

LIVE GAMEWEEK PAGE!

New to Fantasy Football Scout this season is the Live Gameweek page, which you can see on the side menu.

Here you can follow the scores, watch the defensive contribution (DefCon) points roll in, see who the leading players are for xG and more as the games play out, as seen below:

Newcastle v Sunderland team news: Thiaw, Mukiele, Reinildo + Le Fee subs 1

price change predictions
331 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. I have no Wirtz
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Looks like a week getting in both, Wilson and Gordon was the way to go.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Not if you had defenders blanking to get to 11

      1. I have no Wirtz
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Same here, but what if the defender gives us 1 point?

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Own neither and they destroying my rank right now

  2. Mr. O'Connell
    • 14 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    In what world do Sunderland score here? Absolutely limp.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Watch out, Brobbey’s about

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 14 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Who's getting it to him. Create zilch.

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 9 Years
          3 months, 27 days ago

          Xhaka can

          1. Mr. O'Connell
            • 14 Years
            3 months, 27 days ago

            I'll captain Thiaw again if we score today

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Alderete header incoming

  3. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    At least Rayan to Gordon paying offf

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Same move here

  4. Ady87
    • 12 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Brought in Ekitike last week and Thiaw this week. Follow for more exciting tips.

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      This is the way

      F--- this game

      Only way to play is to play it casually

    2. Sgt. Schultz
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      signed up to your OnlyFpl

  5. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    After all my blankers, flipping Thiaw is on the bench?!!!!

    What the actual hell is going on. Absolutely raging at this week

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Apparently he was poor in the last game when they conceded seven

      1. The-Red-1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Was he especially poor compared to the other defenders that night?

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 9 Years
          3 months, 27 days ago

          Yes - was bottom of most of the player rating scores for the game or joint with Trippier.

      2. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Lamine Yamal destroyed him
        Imagine Botman would have been worse

  6. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    (G)ordon wants another!

  7. Stranger Mings
    • 5 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    -4 punt on thiaw is going well over hall

  8. Bigbars
    • 15 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    I'm in the same boat as most on here this morning with the Thiaw benching, and I had gudmondson who possibly may have had a CS from yesterday if he didnt get a debatable red card last week.. But I have to say, although I am pissed internally, we have 7 GW's remaining.. keep the faith..
    Plenty of time for many curveballs, although i love seeing the toys being thrown out by my fellow FPLers.. makes up for a dull game.

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Same here with gudo & thiaw

  9. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Will have to find a way to offload Thiaw now, clearly lost his place. Shame that I got him this week itself.

    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      my FT too

  10. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Gordon moved yet?

    1. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Yeah when he realised VAR wasnt interested

      1. g40steve
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        He was offside either way

  11. GENERATION X
    • 12 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Thiaw cleanie points gone

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      They were nailed as well. And the Defcons from the ball being pumped repeatedly long

  12. g40steve
    • 8 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Elanga selfish

  13. GENERATION X
    • 12 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Sunderland growing into this maybe trying to take it deep when Newc will tire

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      No doubt, but quality is seriously lacking that it won't mean anything. ONien on Gordon penalty coming soon too.

  14. g40steve
    • 8 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Botman post

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Would have been a hall assist

  15. Bigbars
    • 15 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Elanga's been taking "going down" lessons from Gordon I see...

  16. Moon Dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Who do you think is the most nailed Newcastle defender now? Dan Burn or Hall?

    1. Sandy Ravage
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Both are very nailed

  17. GENERATION X
    • 12 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Not sure what I want, had a fiver on a Gordon ‘insurance’ brace at 12-1.

  18. keefy59
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Okay lets hear some half time sob stories
    I transferred out Chalobah , Tarkowski & Rice for a -4
    Bought in Szoboszlai , Andersen & Thiaw
    Started Roefs with Raya on the bench
    Played only 10 players this week now down to 9 & 8 if Thiaw no show

    1. Sgt. Schultz
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      tough luck

    2. WVA
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Had a really strong look side for this GW and even had Rodon first on bench but Dubravaka VVD Anderson Hill and conceded and Enzo and Pedro differentials really flopped!

    3. Mr. O'Connell
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      2
      3, -1, 0 (c) benched
      13, 2, 2, Rogers
      4, 2, 1

      1. WVA
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Haha I have Rogers to come too, he’s lost me more value holding him than points he’ll get I suspect

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 14 Years
          3 months, 27 days ago

          I just want him to look interested for once

          1. WVA
            • 9 Years
            3 months, 27 days ago

            Villa are being handed 4th on a plate so they should be very interested, I just don’t think he’s that good.

    4. Bigbars
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      But you've still got an utterly enviable rank, more than average GW points and good squad for the next GW... it happens. but i wouldnt begrudge your rank and position....I purposely just did the sole thiaw transfer this week and gudmondsonn last week, as I had a feeling we'd get screwed so thought i'd not gamble this GW. Now I've got 5FT's for the inevitable internationals/champs league injuries/rotation that will happen before the next GW.

      Most would pay for your rank.... Amazing !! Well done Sir !!

      1. keefy59
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Thanks
        How about this for a stat this season
        Only two -4 hits & here's the big one
        I don't think I've had a single incident where
        My Goalkeeper or defenders have played against my midfielders or forwards

        1. I have no Wirtz
          3 months, 27 days ago

          Wow. That is both impressive. More so than the ranking.

  19. WVA
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Did anyone on here watch the Barcelona v Newcastle game and bring in Thiaw?

  20. Kane Train
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Do we think Thiaw is just being rested or is he not in there best XI

    1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Rested

    2. Free Hat
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Not performed well lately. If they keep a cs now, or Botman impresses, I dont see a reason why Howe would change imo...

      (Thiaw owner btw)

      1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Thiaw has been excellent all season though

  21. fusen
    • 14 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Dan Burn is going to have about 90 DCs here with all these headed clearances from every Sunderland long throw

  22. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Aston Villa team news
    Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Barkley, Onana; Sancho, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins.

    Subs: Bizot, Maatsen, Bogarde, Mings, Tielemans, Luiz, Buendia, Bailey, Abraham.

    West Ham team news
    West Ham: Hermansen; Mavropanos, Disasi, Todibo; Wan-Bissaka, Soucek, Fernandes, Diouf; Bowen, Castellanos, Pablo.

    Subs: Areola, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Wilson, Traore, Magassa, Scarles, Potts, Kante.

    Tottenham team news - Vicario and Solanke start
    Starting XI: Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Grey, Sarr, Spence; Tel, Richarlison; Solanke.

    Subs: Kinsky, Dragusin, Palhinha, Simons, Udogie, Bergvall, Gallagher, Souza, Kolo Muani.

    Forest team news
    Sels, Williams, Murillo, Sangare, Hudson Odoi, Andersen, Gibbs White, Jesus, Hutchinson, Milenkovic, Aina

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Nice. Cash starts.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Yeah, needed that myself

  23. Mr. O'Connell
    • 14 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Thiaw warming up

  24. WVA
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Tottenham to get relegated?

    1. Not again Shirley
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Can but hope.

  25. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Botman down, thiaw could be on.

  26. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Thiaw warming up for his clean sheet points

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      I'd take a Thiaw 1 pointer over the Hill -1 that I'll get if he doesn't show

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Boom, as if by magic

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Doesn't work like that

    3. Pablitto
      • 16 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      If Sun scores it will be 0 for him

  27. Jigger & Pony
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Thiaw on for Botman

    1. ball c
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Better late than never. Bought him in. Let’s hope for a goal

  28. Mr. O'Connell
    • 14 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Bye bye Bruno VC points

    1. Moon Dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Oof so unlucky... 🙁

    2. keefy59
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Sorry but he doesn't deserve them for captain Thiaw & not Bruno
      It was a high risk with potential low reward

    3. Josh.E
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      I told you he wasn't keeping a clean sheet either way

  29. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    1 pt for Thiaw lfg

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Hell get booked or sent off

  30. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 27 days ago

    Well, at least I'm up to 11 players

    Goal

    Sunderland

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Busted right away

      Probably for the best

      Plenty had Hall too

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 months, 27 days ago

        Yeah, good thing for sure

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 months, 27 days ago

      Talbi