Eddie Howe has insisted that his Newcastle United side 'cannot underestimate' bitter rivals Sunderland when the two teams lock horns for the 156th Tyne-Wear derby in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
The Magpies head to the Stadium of Light following a dismal run of form having lost seven of their last eight fixtures in all competitions, including each of their last four in succession.
Howe's side have also lost seven of their last eight away games in all tournaments and most recently suffered a 4-2 defeat at Liverpool in the Premier League on New Year's Day, leaving the club sitting ninth in the table and 11 points behind the top four.
In addition, Newcastle's record against Sunderland leaves little to be desired, as they have failed to win any of their last nine meetings with the Black Cats since former defender Ryan Taylor scored a free kick to seal a slender 1-0 away win back in August 2011.
While Newcastle find themselves down in the dumps, Sunderland appear to have turned a corner under new head coach Michael Beale, as they have won two and drawn one of their last three Championship games to climb back into the playoffs.
© Reuters
Ahead of the mouthwatering lunchtime kickoff on Saturday, Howe has acknowledged the importance of their showdown with Sunderland – the first Tyne-Wear derby for nearly eight years.
"I am expecting a good performance from us – we are ready," Howe said at a press conference on Friday. "We know what this fixture means to everyone. We know the importance of this fixture. The players know what it means. For us, it is important that we get back to winning ways.
"When the draw was made, we made reference to the draw and I gave a couple of the Geordies a chance to speak about the fixture, just to set the scene. The players know everything they need to know about the fixture.
"Sometimes you can overkill that so it's then been about how we're going to play and how we're going to execute our plan."
"Our next game is our next opportunity to turn our form around," Howe added. "We are very much focusing on our performance and trying to deliver the best account of ourselves as we can.
"It is our opportunity to progress in the cup competition. We have to individually be at our best levels."
© Reuters
Discussing opponents Sunderland, Howe continued: "Sunderland are a very good team, full of young and bright prospects. Their obvious threat is in the wide areas, depending on who is fit.
"We do not underestimate the challenge – we have given them full respect in our preparation. But, of course, it is going to be about what we can do and how we can play and execute our plan."
Howe has also spoken about his own FA Cup record as he is yet to win in the competition as Newcastle manager, having previously lost to League One teams Sheffield Wednesday and Cambridge United in the last two seasons.
"I'm well aware of my record here," said the Magpies boss. "The two games we've had have been disappointing. I won't shy away from that and we'll try make up for it in this game.
"It's our opportunity to progress in a competition we want to do well in. We want the extra games so every part of us want to impress."
While Newcastle have failed to progress beyond the FA Cup third round in seven of the last 11 campaigns, Sunderland have only reached round four once over the previous eight years – doing so last season after beating Shrewsbury Town.
Oliver Thomas
