Alan Pardew has described the Tyne-Wear derby as the "biggest game" that he has been involved in during his football career.
Newcastle United host Sunderland this weekend, having failed to win in their last five outings against their local rivals.
The manager told reporters: "I've been lucky enough to play in cup finals, but if any manager asked me, 'What's the biggest game you've been involved in', I'd say Newcastle versus Sunderland.
"The electricity of this game really is something else, and you have to be at it to appreciate it. I'm looking forward to experiencing that again. The end, not so much if you lose.
"Particularly around Christmas time, when it's goodwill to all men, the gravy is going to be a bit lumpy if we lose. So it's important to win."
Newcastle sit eighth in the table ahead of this weekend's matches.
