Sebastian Larsson: 'We cannot let emotion overwhelm us'

Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larsson has stressed that his side cannot get carried away with the emotion of the fixture in their Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United.

The Black Cats are looking to record their fourth victory in a row over the Magpies when they clash at St James' Park, and Larsson has admitted that he is desperate to have the winning feeling once again when his team leave Tyneside.

He told the club's official website: "It is one of those games where you feel a little nervous ahead of the game because you know what's at stake, but I've been lucky enough to come away as a winner a few times and it is a great, great feeling.

"That is the feeling you want again and we will do everything we can to replicate it and win the game.

"These are without a doubt the games that you want to play in but at the same time during the week there is still a long way to go, so you can't get too wound up too early. You have to remain calm and do what you have to do to make sure you're ready for the game."

Sunderland are 16th in the Premier League going into their showdown against Alan Pardew's men, who are ninth.