Jonas Gutierrez: 'We must not underestimate Sunderland'

Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez has claimed that recent form will count for nothing against Sunderland on Sunday.

The Black Cats are just a point above the relegation zone after a run of seven Premier League games without a win, but Gutierrez has warned that a complacent approach will come back to haunt Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby.

"In the last few years, Sunderland have been in a bad place and still beaten us," the Argentine told reporters.

"It does not matter what position you're in for this derby. It's different.

"We just hope nothing strange happens this time."

Adam Johnson scored the only goal of the game to hand Sunderland victory in the reverse fixture in December.