Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has claimed that the Tyne-Wear derby is "as big as any in the country".
The Black Cats will face their arch rivals Newcastle United at St James' Park on Sunday.
Sunderland have won the last six meetings between the two and they head into this weekend's match on a two-game unbeaten run.
As for Newcastle, they have begun a new era under Rafael Benitez, whose first game in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat to Leicester City.
"All players wherever they come from are well aware of derbies," Allardyce told reporters. "This one is as big as any in the country.
"To control the players emotions is one of the most important things I need to do [before the game].
"We're playing well, we're playing consistently well and we need to make sure we continue that."
Sunderland are currently out of the relegation zone on goal difference, while Newcastle are one point from safety.
