Sunderland vs Newcastle combined XI: Seb Larsson or Jack Colback?
21st December 2014 - Barclays Premier League - Newcastle United v Sunderland - Connor Wickham of Sunderland battles with Daryl Janmaat of Newcastle - Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
DM: Jack Colback (Newcastle)
This could be a controversial choice for Sunderland fans, but we’re going with the former Black Cat in our midfield.
Neat, tidy and composed on the ball, Colback has an 88% passing accuracy so far this term, and keeps things ticking over in the middle of the park for Newcastle.
DM: Yann M’Vila (Sunderland)
M’Vila slides in on Idrissa Gueye of Aston Villa.
According to Squawka, the Frenchman has been the Black Cats’ best player so far this season, and while it isn’t exactly a prestigious award considering his side’s position in the Premier League table, we’d tend to agree, and he gets the nod in our side.
Despite primarily being a defensive-minded midfielder, M’Vila has already scored once and picked up two assists this term, has an impressive 84% passing accuracy and has been successful with all of his five attempted take-ons.
RAM: Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle)
United’s attacking front four came to life in the 6-2 win against Norwich at St James’ Park on Sunday, and one of the stars of the success was Sissoko.
The France international showed his class by providing three assists, taking his total to four for the season. The 26-year-old knows he must impress with Euro 2016 on the horizon, and he will be hoping to add some goals to his tally as well.
CAM: Georginio Wijnaldum
Wijnaldum scored four goals in the 6-2 win against Norwich.
Four goals in a game. Not many have done it but Wijnaldum showed United fans just how good he is with a devastating performance against Norwich.
The Netherlands international has been the club’s star summer signing, with six Premier League goals in nine matches, and was an automatic pick in our combined team.
LAM: Ayoze Perez (Newcastle)
A player that seems to largely go under the radar, Perez has quietly been making a big impression at St James’ Park.
Like his forward thinking team-mates, the Spaniard really came to life in the attacking third against Norwich last weekend, and showed his class with a goal and an assist in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea.