Tyne-Wear derby preview

There is little introduction needed with the Tyne-Wear derby. While a number of rivalries are often referred to as "friendly" in nature, this one isn't so and typically all bets are off with past performance or general play. However given the course of both clubs fortunes this year, it will have a different because not only could it be the rare taste of success for both but equally a menacing point in the fight to avoid relegation.

In a strange mirror of fates while Newcastle went through the pain of losing Kevin Keegan and the eventual fan uprising, Sunderland equally was stricken with the loss of their leader Roy Keane. However since taking over, Ricky Sbragia has righted their course, amassing eleven points in eight matches. Possibly more indicative of this managerial ability is that he has been able to push the Black Cats in "winnable" matches the right way and they consistently squeeze out points against bottom half opponents. While the jury is still out, it appears that the chances of Sunderland falling into the drop zone can be dismissed.

Yet the case isn't so bright for the Magpies. Since the start of December they have gained eight points but over the last five match starting on Boxing Day, they have only a single draw to show for their efforts. In addition to a host of long term injuries such as Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka, they recently lost Michael Owen and Joey Barton and are staring down the barrel of losing Shay Given to Manchester City. If there is a positive to the transfer season certainly the addition of Kevin Nolan is an extraordinary coup but equally the departure of Charles N’Zogbia should be celebrated as he is undeserving to wear the crest. With the present injury situation, Joe Kinnear in the peculiar position of pairing up new addition Peter Løvenkrands and Andy Carroll at striker, relying heavily upon new man Kevin Nolan and calling upon youngsters David Edgar, Kazenga LuaLua, Mark Doninger, Jonny Godsmark and Nile Ranger into the fight to stave off relegation.

For the match, intensity reigns supreme. This is about heart, soul and the crest and every blade of grass at St James' Park must be fought for.