United finished ninth in the Under-18 Premier League while Sunderland ended the regular campaign in 11th.

The league now splits into three mini-leagues - and the Magpies start that with an 11am kick-off at Little Benton against their local rivals.

Newcastle have already faced the Black Cats three times this season - twice in the league and once in the FA Youth Cup, winning twice and drawing the other.

Mackenzie Heaney could make his first start after returning from injury while Danish striker Elias Sorensen is also in the squad.

Admission at United's Academy on Saturday is free.