Mick McCarthy is looking forward to adding a Wear-Tyne meeting to his collection of big derby matches.
The Black Cats boss has played in Manchester derbies, Old Firm scraps and clashes between Millwall and West Ham but he reckons tomorrow's northeast affair will be up there with the best.
"The atmosphere will be fantastic," said the Sunderland manager. "These are the games that everyone wants to play in, they are massive matches. Right from when you are young kid you want to play in big league games, cup finals and the like.
"I've played in Celtic-Rangers games, World Cups and big European games and so I know all about it and this match is as big as any of them.
"One that stands out for me is when Celtic stopped Rangers winning the treble at Ibrox. That was a lively game!"
Sunderland will further dent Newcastle's hopes of a Champions League place next season if they can deny the Magpies three points at the Stadium of Light. McCarthy, however, is more concerned about how his side performs.
He added: "I know every Sunderland fan wants to win the game and I know every Sunderland fan will take it as a feather in their cap if they can take points off Newcastle and try to stop them getting into the Champions League.
"I don't get wrapped up in all that because I prefer to think about what it will mean for us. But everyone motivates themselves differently and I don't mind what it is that lights the fire for my players, as long as they are up for the game on the day."
Sunderland performed poorly against Newcastle at St. James's Park in September, when they lost 2-0, and McCarthy is looking for his players to show character tomorrow.
He said: "You need character in your team for games like this - that's what stops you from freezing on the day or going under if you concede a goal.
"These players have had a lot of knock-backs this year but they have to show their true character tomorrow.
"Also, we are due a bit of luck. We have had so little just in the time I have been here that we must be due some. And whatever bit is going, I will take it tomorrow."
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