Mike Williamson: 'Form will count for nothing in Wear-Tyne derby clash'

Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson is adamant that form will count for nothing when his side face off against Sunderland in the Wear-Tyne derby next week.

The Magpies have lost their last four matches to the Wearsiders, but Dick Advocaat's men are currently on a seven-match winless run, which sees them sit just one point above the relegation zone.

Newcastle have also struggled for form of late as they have lost their last three matches on the spin, leaving boss John Carver under pressure going into the derby game.

Williamson told the Shields Gazette: "I think you can rip the form book up when it comes to that game.

"It's a great spectacle. I thoroughly enjoy playing in them – the atmosphere, the pressure and the intensity of it is brilliant.

"I've played in quite a few and I don't need to get myself up for it – I know what it's all about."

Newcastle are 12th in the Premier League with 35 points from their 30 matches this season.