United's second-string welcome their Black Cats counterparts to Whitley Park for their first of 20 Matchweek fixtures during the 2024/25 season, with the aim of ultimately claiming a top-16 spot in the 26-team division to secure a single elimination play-off.

The young squad, which included the likes of Garang Kuol, Ciaran Thompson and James Huntley, have been out on the grass this week in preparation for the highly-anticipated clash, which will be available to watch for free via the new Official Newcastle United App.

Harriet Massey was at the Magpies' Little Benton Academy to bring newcastleunited.com this gallery as Newcastle's youngsters continued their hard work ahead of facing their North east neighbours.