Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa: "We've got to win" Sunderland game

Newcastle United defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has revealed that he knows the importance of winning the Tyne-Wear derby despite joining the club just three months ago.

The Magpies and Sunderland meet at St James' Park later today in their derby clash, which will have huge significance in the relegation battle at the bottom of the Premier League.

Yanga-Mbiwa told the Daily Star: "I've already seen the craze that surrounds this match, so I know what it's all about.

"Funnily enough, my bank adviser is a big Newcastle fan and I've been talking with him about it. Some of his colleagues at the bank are Sunderland fans, so there's a big rivalry among them.

"It's clear the match matters so much to them, so my adviser has told me we've got to win. He is 200% a Newcastle fan, so I hope we can win for him."

Newcastle are 13th in the Premier League, five points clear of the relegation zone.