The first Tyne-Wear derby of the season takes place at Gateshead, where Newcastle United host Sunderland in a League Cup tie. It is not quite the "El Lassico" advertised by Sunderland for their future league game at the Stadium of Light, but a derby nonetheless.
Team selection and rotation
With many players returning from international duty this week, the selection choices of managers Tanya Oxtoby and Mel Reay will be closely watched. The question is whether they rotate the squad as they have in previous League Cup ties, or field a strong side for a derby.
Both teams have started the season strongly, losing only in the League Cup, and occupy the top two spots in the WSL2 table. Neither will want to lose momentum or local pride, but both will also be mindful not to reveal too much about their approach to the league campaign, which remains the priority.
Derby history and expectations
With larger and more international squads than before, the managers could be forgiven for fielding experimental line-ups. It will be interesting to see how the game is approached, and whether the result ultimately matters.
Previous derbies have been tight affairs, with the last one ending in a draw at the Stadium of Light and the other three won by Newcastle. A very close game is expected, a typical derby in front of a full house, and probably a draw.
Durham's League Cup trip
Durham are also in League Cup action, away at fellow league strugglers Burnley at Turf Moor. This could be their best chance to kick-start their season before they welcome WSL1 side Birmingham to South Shields on Wednesday, then travel to Watford in the league next Sunday.
Manager Willie Kirk said last week they would use the international break as a time to reflect. The squad certainly has the quality to do much better than their results suggest. A good performance and a win would set them up well for the next block of league games, including a visit from Sunderland.
