Wes Brown to MISS Tyne-Wear derby with knee injury

DICK ADVOCAAT will be forced into a defensive reshuffle for the Wear-Tyne derby after losing Wes Brown to a knee injury.

Wes BrownGETTY

Wes Brown will miss the Tyne-Wear derby with a knee injury

The veteran Sunderland centre-back is struggling to figure again this season in the wake of being forced off early in Advocaat's first game in charge, the 1-0 defeat at West Ham, after falling awkwardly.

Santiago Vergini is set to deputise against Newcastle on Sunday, alongside John O'Shea in central defence as the hosts go in search of a club record fifth consecutive victory over their North-East neighbours.

Meanwhile, Northumbria Police have warned both sets of supporters that troublemakers can expect to receive firm treatment from its officers.

Fears have been raised that violence could overshadow the fixture due to the 4pm kick-off time dictated by the demands of live TV coverage.

The match commander in charge of police operations on Sunday, Ch Supt Steve Neill, said: "For the minority intent on causing problems, our message is that trouble will not be tolerated. They will be dealt with swiftly and firmly."

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?