Neil Critchley's side are six points clear at the top of the division but the young Reds will hope to bounce back to winning ways after back-to-back cup defeats.
A 1-0 loss to Sparta Prague in the Premier League International Cup was followed by last weekend's 4-3 defeat at the hands of Stoke City in the Premier League Cup.
Ahead of Sunday's trip to the north east, here is our match preview...
Where is the game being played? The game is taking place at the Stadium of Light, with kick-off set for 12pm GMT.