Yes it is that time of year once again, the Tyne-Wear derby is upon us and Geordies and Mackems everywhere have begun trading verbal punches in the build up to the game.
Newcastle emerged triumphant back in August when Ryan Taylor's free-kick secured a 1-0 win for the Magpies and his place in club folklore.
Both sides come into the game on the back of disappointing results, Newcastle surrendered a 2-0 advantage to slip to a 2-2 draw with Wolves at St James' Park. While Martin O'Neill's Sunderland suffered a humbling defeat at The Hawthorns, as they were beaten 4-0 by West Bromwich Albion.
The form book will be tossed out of the window on Sunday however, as emotion and will to win take precedence over skill and ability. This is not to say that tactics, organisation and talent count for nothing in this type of game, but the two sides are extremely well matched in these areas, and therefore mental toughness will have an added importance.
Newcastle should again be able to call on a near fully fit squad assuming Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote return from international duty injury free. Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba both have knocks, but both should be fit to spearhead the Magpies' attack.
The Senegalese pair will pose a huge problem for a Sunderland defence that is set to once again be without veterans Titus Bramble and Wes Brown.
The Mackems were decimated by a West Brom side that has struggled at home this season. However, O'Neill's side do possess a number of creative outlets going forward. Stephane Sessegnon; Sebastian Larsson and Irish youngster James McClean have all impressed this year, and the Newcastle rearguard will have to be vigilant if they are to repel a Sunderland attack that has put the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City to the sword.
The Tyneside faithful will surely be confident given Newcastle's recent successes over their oldest rivals. A capacity crowd is expected at St James' Park to cheer on Pardew's charges, as they look to write the story of another Geordie triumph into the history of this long and storied fixture.
Verdict
Sunderland have certainly improved as a side, and with Frazier Campbell seemingly back in a form they are a team capable of scoring many goals. However, I expect Newcastle, with the backing of a raucous home crowd, to edge what will be a thrilling encounter.
Prediction: Newcastle 4-2 Sunderland
This will be my last post for a while, as I head to Paris for a much needed break on Thursday. I shall be keenly watching Sunday's game from a Parisian bar, before moving on to the Parc Des Princes to watch Paris Saint-Germain take on AC Ajaccio. Au revior, allez le Toon!
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