Alan Pardew: 'Tyne-Wear derby a season-defining game'

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew believes that his side's Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland is season defining for both clubs.

The Magpies have rallied from a poor start to position themselves in the mix for a European spot at the halfway stage of the campaign, while Gus Poyet's men sit two places above the relegation zone after negotiating some tough fixtures at the Stadium of Light.

Pardew is adamant that a win for either team could have huge implications on how their seasons will progress in the second half of the campaign.

"I've been lucky enough to play in cup finals and things like that but the electricity of this game is something you have to be at to appreciate, and I'm looking forward to experiencing that again," he told the club's official website.

"The perception of the season could change. If Sunderland win then they've had a good first half of the season and if we win then we've had a really good first half.

"Points-wise it's still three points, and we must not get away from that. We are in a great position in the league and if we win then we can take ourselves right in amongst the top six again."

Newcastle have lost their last three matches against Sunderland, including two at St James' Park.