THERE will be a North-East derby with a difference at the start of next month - with Sunderland hosting Newcastle United Under-21s in the last 16 of the Checkatrade Trophy.
This morning's draw paired the North-East rivals together - setting up an intriguing tie at the Stadium of Light.
The last competitive Wear-Tyne derby on Wearside took place in October 2015, with Sunderland claiming a 3-0 win courtesy of goals from Adam Johnson, Billy Jones and Steven Fletcher.
Sunderland have played strong sides throughout the Checkatrade Trophy, and Jack Ross is extremely likely to play another experienced side against the Magpies.
It remains to be seen how Newcastle treat the tie, given they have fielded a host of youngsters in their Checkatrade Trophy matches this season.
There is a limit to how many first-team players the Magpies can name in their Under-21 side, but Rafael Benitez will be able to promote some of his more established names into the team if he wants to.
The Checkatrade Trophy game will take place in the week beginning Monday, January 7, 2019.
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