Newcastle United: Joey Barton, Demba Ba and the Magpies Tynewear Derby First XI

Alan Pardew's newest players will get their first taste of a Tynewear Derby as the Magpies travel to the Stadium of Light to face off against Steve Bruce's new-look Black Cats.

Both clubs have significant changes to their teams rosters, with Sunderland having added almost a dozen new players so far.

Pardew earned a draw against Arsenal over the past weekend at St. James Park, while rival Sunderland frustrated Liverpool into a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

This weekend, both clubs will be playing to win their first match of the season and the first with bragging rights amongst their strong rival fanbases.

GK: Tim Krul

Dutch keeper Tim Krul made his first appearance of the season last week against Arsenal and enjoyed his first clean sheet of the new season.

He looks to stay put as Pardew's main-choice keeper for the time being, but today's Derby match could see him get scored on for the first time this campaign.

RB: Danny Simpson

Danny Simpson continues to be a strong right-sided defender for the Magpies, and put in a solid performance at the weekend against Arsenal.

He will have his hands full with both Sebastian Larsson and Ahmed Elmohamady down his flank.

CB: Steven Taylor

Steven Taylor is Newcastle through and through, and the always-present defender will have to be on his toes this weekend at Sunderland.

Both Asamoah Gyan and Stephane Sessegnon will be looking to give the Black Cats an early lead.

CB: Fabriccio Coloccini

Newcastle United's newest captain skippered his side to a 0-0 draw against Arsenal this past weekend.

The Argentine will be looked upon to help quell the offensive capabilities of Asamoah Gyan and Sebastian Larsson, as both will be goal threats to the Magpies.

LB: Ryan Taylor

Ryan Taylor will continue to deputize down the left side of the defense, as the Magpies are still searching for the replacement of Jose Enrique after he recently left for Liverpool.

Taylor was a serving member of Wigan Athletic's defense on the right side, and has proven he has the ability to play from either flank.

RM: Jonás Gutiérrez

Jonás Gutiérrez has proven to be a long-term starter on the right side of the midfield in recent seasons, but I feel his time is limited.

Hatem Ben Arfa and Gabriel Obertan will both be gunning for his spot in no time.

CM: Joey Barton

One of the English Premier League's most controversial players will surely be at the heart of this clash.

He is in the form of his career since last season. Look for the central midfielder to play well and maybe even get in someone's face and make them slap him.

CM: Yohan Cabaye

Former French League winner from Lille, Yohan Cabaye showed great signs of promise over the weekend.

Most likely, he will make his second start for the Magpies. But he could be replaced by Danny Guthrie or Dan Gosling, as he still is relatively inexperienced in the EPL.

LM: Ismael Cheik Tioté

Ivory Coast International wide player Ismael Cheik Tioté continues to prove he is a worthwhile candidate for a constant first XI place.

He will hope to get a sniff at goal this afternoon to help make the Black Cats pay.

ST: Demba Ba

Demba Ba could prove to be one of the signings of the season if he gets off and going for Newcastle.

As a free transfer, he was an excellent value, and if he can recreate some of his exploits for West Ham United, the Toon Army will be more than happy to have him on board.

ST: Shola Ameobi

Shola Ameobi is as Newcastle United as they come. He is all black and white, and I look for him to turn back the clock a year or two and have an excellent game.

He is likely to get the Magpies' first, and possibly only, goal.

Conclusion

Pardew and Bruce both lead their teams well, but Sunderland eek out a 2-1 victory at home to take the first weekend of the rivalry.

You can see the full list of weekend match predictions in the weekly EPL Match Preview Article that comes out each thursday right here on Bleacher Report.

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