Sunderland boss Peter Reid is keeping his fingers crossed Niall Quinn will be fit in time for the 120th Tyne-Wear derby at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
The Republic of Ireland striker came on as a second-half substitute against Coventry at the weekend and after coming through unscathed, Reid may be tempted to draft the big targetman in alongside Kevin Phillips.
Phillips meanwhile will be bidding to complete a memorable double on Saturday after learning on Friday that his wife, Julie-Ann is expecting their second child.
The England striker has managed just one goal in his last 11 appearances - a drought which has coincided with the Black Cats' dismal slump down the table.
The Wearsiders should be boosted by the return of Michael Gray (neck), Don Hutchison (groin) and Gavin McCann (ankle), who all made successful returns to training this week.
Newcastle boss Bobby Robson must decide on whether to stick with the side which beat West Ham on Monday.
Andy O'Brien, Nikos Dabizas and Aaron Hughes are competing for the two centre-half berth's and it seems likely Robson will opt for the latter two.
Newcastle's only doubt is Rob Lee, who is feeling the effects of a niggling knee injury.
More pleasing for Robson is Nolberto Solano's decision to delay meeting up with the Peruvian World Cup squad until after Saturday's crunch derby.
HEAD TO HEAD
Played 119
Sunderland 40
Newcastle 43
Drawn 36
KEY MAN
Don Hutchison - One of the few 'locals' to line up for either team who really knows what a Tyne-Wear means to the fans and he'll be counting down the minutes until kick-off.
PREDICTION
Tyne-Wear derbies have proven in the past that form counts for nothing and pride is the winner in these kind of games. Neither side are playing the best football at the moment but in front of a packed full-house, the home side should edge it.
2-0 to Sunderland
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