Sale Sharks vs. Newcastle - prediction, team news, lineups

In an action-packed weekend in the Gallagher Premiership, Newcastle Falcons will make the short trip to Salford Community Stadium to take on Sale Sharks in the northern derby on Friday.

Last season's runners-up Sale find themselves in second place in the standings, while the Falcons are rooted to the foot of the table with just two points to their name after five matches.

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Sale Sharks currently have an impressive 18 points in the Premiership standings and are in the midst of a hot streak, having secured four wins in their last five matches in this competition.

The hosts' only defeat in this season's league came against Exeter Chiefs in week . . .