Newcastle have played 6 times on Picklive this season already so there's plenty of stats to consider when picking. Ignoring the recent Carling Cup game against Arsenal, Barton and Enrique have been in the Newcastle top 5 in each of the 5 league Picklive games this season. They've even been the top pair 3 times. Those two would be my first pick and then it's a bit of a lucky dip for any others. Nolan and Carroll have racked up huge scores against West Ham and Aston Villa respectively but don't score enough points when they're not scoring goals to be able to pick them with any confidence. Williamson, Tiote and Gutierrez are more reliable options but if there are plenty of goals in the match may leave you short in the chase for the Big Game.
Sunderland have played only twice but have done well in Picklive terms, providing 4 of the top 5 against Blackburn and 3 of the top 5 against Arsenal. Henderson has been the highest scorer for Sunderland in those two matches and should be the first Black Cat on your list. Bramble, Onuoha and Richardson are probably the strongest candidates after Henderson. Elmohamady and Malbranque have made the most passes (after Henderson) for Sunderland but neither have racked up enough points in the last two Picklive games.
Much has been made of the midfield battle for this game (Barton and Cattermole have a history...) so there is a danger that cards of both colour may decide the Big Game for this one.
Tip: Enrique and Henderson should be certainties for most teams. Plus Barton if you're not concerned by the chance of a card or two.
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