Newcastle United play Sunderland this afternoon in what is being billed by both sides as their biggest game of the season. The North East teams are currently struggling to avoid relegation into the Sky Bet Championship (Newcastle having previously being relegated in the 2008/2009 season).
Rafa Benitez took over from Steve McClaren at the helm of of the Toon after a week of uncertainty and the Spaniard’s first home game is against local rivals Sunderland. Sunderland have previously had success swapping out managers just before derby matches with Paulo Di Canio, Gus Poyet, Dick Advocaat, and Sam Allardyce all losing their first game in charge before winning their second.
How well do you know your Tyne-Wear derby? Here are five more derby day facts for both fans.
