Newcastle vs Sunderland team news: Rookie goalkeeper Jak Alnwick starts in goal for Alan Pardew's Magpies

Team news from St. James' Park ahead of this afternoon's huge North East grudge match

Newcastle goalkeeper Jak Alnwick (Getty Images)

Newcastle United have handed 21-year-old goalkeeper Jak Alnwick his full home debut against against arch-rivals Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.

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Alan Pardew's men will be hoping to make amends for the last two matches between the two sides at St. James' Park, both of which finished 3-0 to the visitors.

In-form Ayoze Perez starts up front for the Toon while Jack Colback, featured on the front page of the club's programme, starts against his former club.

Sunderland, on the other hand, make no changes from the 1-1 home draw with high-flying West Ham United.

Guy Poyet's side are without a win in six Premier League clashes and sit just on epoint ahead of 18th placed Burnley.

Newcastle: Alnwick, Janmaat, Coloccini, S.Taylor, Dummett, Sissoko, Colback, Tiote, Gouffran, Perez, Ameobi.

Sunderland: Pantilimon, Vergini, Reveillere, O’Shea, Brown, Cattermole, Larsson, Gomez, Johnson, Wickham, Fletcher.