Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren has admitted that Sunderland are the favourites to take three points when the sides meet for this weekend's Tyne-Wear derby.
The Magpies have lost five on the spin to their local rivals, a run that dates back to April 2013, and the ex-England coach said that he is expected a "tough" test at the Stadium of Light.
"It's a tough one next, Sunderland have won the last five derbies, they are the favourites and they are at home," the Daily Star quotes him as saying.
"It's a hoodoo and we've just got to break it. Football is about momentum and we've got to take it forward."
Just three points separate Newcastle and Sunderland ahead of kickoff, with the Black Cats lying bottom of the league on three points.
The match also marks new Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce's first home game at the helm.
