Alan Shearer expects tight Tyne-Wear derby

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer is expecting a tight Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland at the Sports Direct Arena on Sunday.

The Magpies thrashed their local rivals 5-1 in the same fixture last season, while Ryan Taylor's goal was enough to separate the sides at the Stadium of Light earlier in this campaign.

Despite Newcastle's recent dominance, Shearer believes that the influence of Black Cats boss Martin O'Neill will make it a close contest.

"I think it will be very, very tight," he told The Chronicle. "All derbies are tight – but we've had the upper hand in the last few.

"I think because of Martin's arrival – and their result last week – it will be a really tight one."

Sixth-placed Newcastle are currently 10 points ahead of their local rivals in the Premier League table.