Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko is adamant that his side have to win the Wear-Tyne derby to end their poor run of form against Sunderland.

The Magpies have lost their last four matches to the Wearsiders, including earlier this season when Adam Johnson's stoppage-time strike condemned them to defeat at St James' Park.

Sissoko believes that his side have to wrestle back the initiative in the fixture to appease their supporters.

He told the club's official website: "Everybody knows it's a big game. I came here two-and-a-half years ago; we've lost every [derby] game, but now it's a new game.

"We have to do everything and try to get the three points, because it's a massive game for us, for the fans, for Newcastle the city, for everybody.

"We have to win for us and for the whole city as well. I hope we can win the next game because it's a massive game for everybody."

Newcastle play Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.