Sunderland AFC Under-21s are back in league action on Monday with the Wear-Tyne derby in the Premier League 2 at the Academy of Light (1pm).
Opposition
Newcastle United currently sit bottom of the Premier League 2 with two wins, four losses and seven defeats from 13. The last league win was against Everton in October where Amadou Diallo's penalty ensured a 1-0 victory.
Ben Dawson is the current Lead Coach for the academy side. Dawson first joined the Premier League side in 2014 as a Professional Development overseeing the U21s.
During that spell, Dawson led the group to a Premier League Cup final and Premier League 2 play-offs.
Dylan Stephenson is the top goalscorer for his side with three in seven, the forward is currently on loan at South Shields.
The Black Cats ran out 2-1 winners the last time the sides met. Second-half goals from Zak Johnson and Jewison Bennette completed the comeback.
Premier League 2
Tottenham Hotspur are the current league leaders with one defeat all season.
West Ham, Fulham and Arsenal make-up the rest of the top four.
Newcastle are joined by Leeds and Manchester City in the bottom three.
Graeme Murty's side sit 12th in the PL2 and will have an opportunity to leapfrog into ninth with victory.
Team news
Ben Crompton misses out with a long-term injury. Ellis Taylor is back on the grass following a lengthy spell in the treatment room.
Coverage
You can find live updates on the official U21 X page- @AcademyofLight