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Hatem Ben Arfa will start the Tyne-Wear derby on the bench.

And Alan Pardew will make a late call on whether Steven Taylor starts against Sunderland.

The Frenchman made his return against Benfica and is fit enough to play some part.

But speaking at his pre-game press call ahead of Sunderland, Pardew said: "He won't start, we will look at that after half-time.

"We'll see about Steven, I don't want to give any news on injuries."

Mike Williamson is on standby for derby duty.

And Pardew added: "Mike and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa did very well against Benfica."

Speaking on his respect for Paolo Di Canio, Pardew said: "He was a player I loved.

"There is a mutual bond because we were both employed at West Ham.