Martin O'Neill: Newcastle showdown "as big as it gets"

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has said that he recognises the significance of this afternoon's showdown with Newcastle United.

O'Neill, whose predecessor was still in charge at the Stadium of Light when the sides met earlier this season, admits that his men must be at their absolute best as he prepares for his first trip to the Sports Direct Arena as Sunderland boss.

"It's a big game and one of those games we want to do well in," he told the Sunderland Echo. "It's as big as it gets and we have to be strong and compete. We need to do better than our best.

"We've lost two league games now and the sooner we start getting points back on the board the better.

"I'm aware of the great season Newcastle have had so far. In the end it can come down to the smallest of things, even a bit of luck."

The Magpies handed Sunderland a 5-1 defeat when the sides last met at Newcastle.