Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has said that his side cannot get too emotional if they are to come out on top in Sunday's Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle United.

The noon clash at the Stadium of Light has taken on perhaps a greater importance than many in recent years, with both North-East sides in the Premier League relegation zone

However, Allardyce, who will be facing his former club for the first time as Black Cats manager, has insisted that he will not overhype the emotion of the occasion to his players.

"This is the game that nobody wants to lose, there is no doubt about that," he told The Mirror. "Defeat in this game can have a more damaging effect than losing any other game.

"My message to the players will be to carry on as before. I have to be careful that I don't make it too emotional. The last thing I want is to tip my players over the edge because there is already enough emotion on the day."

Sunderland have won their last five Premier League grudge matches against their rivals, and have not lost to the Magpies since August 2011.