LONDON (SE) - Tensions are running high in front of the Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park on Sunday with both Newcastle United and Sunderland still in peril of being directed from the Premier League. Hosts Newcastle (10-6-16) are in a much more resilient position to maintain their top-flight reputation than Sunderland (7-10-15) but know a beat against their fierce North-East opponents would move back them right into a relegation dog fight with only five fits of the season to perform. The Magpies are in 13th place, five points away from Sunderland, who stay beyond your bottom three only on goal difference. New Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio will require charge of his part for the second time on Sunday following his controversial appointment as successor to the sacked Martin O'Neill. Di Canio has faced a battery of concern about his political beliefs since overpowering at the Stadium of Light and issued a statement requiring he doesn't "support the ideology of fascism". Sunderland dropped 2-1 at Chelsea last weekend - Di Canio's first game at the helm - and have gone seven league suits without a gain. In addition they lost their last four away games played in the Premier League. As a person, Di Canio was associated with highly-charged local derbies in Sheffield, Glasgow and Rome, and is aware of how important Sunday's clash is to both sets of fans. "Of course, this sport counts for three points but is even more crucial when it comes to pride, honor and respect," Di Canio told the Sunderland club internet site. "This game counts for one thousand. We've to feel a responsibility. You want to make our fans pleased. "We want to gain there since it would be great to see our fans enjoying. We stay for this stage, this time. There is a possibility you are able to shed, but with a huge chance to get and get some thing very important to the club. It is possible to become heroes. It's the very best condition for the players." Newcastle - who were knocked out from the Europa League by Portuguese area Benfica on Thursday - have an excellent report at home in the Premier League. The won their last four top-flight games at St James' Park and have acquired 28 highlights of a 48 from matches played on home turf this season. Magpies manager Alan Pardew, who's unbeaten in four Tyne-Wear derbies, is confident his part should come on top again, specially with the aid of the club's home fans. "We come in good form," the 51-year-old Pardew mentioned at his pre-match press conference. "We have some players finding its way back who make us slightly stronger, and I believe it is a difficult game for Sunderland. "It is just a passionate game played by two clubs who are 15 miles apart or whatever it's, passionate Mackems, passionate Geordies. But we've got 50,000 and that provides us a slight advantage, and I'm sure they'll wish to make themselves heard." Newcastle centre-back Steven Taylor is set to return after knee difficulty but fellow defenders Davide Santon (hamstring) and Fabricio Coloccini (back) are expected to remain sidelined. Sunderland is going to be without suspended midfielder Craig Gardner, while defense Carlos Cuellar (foot) and striker Danny Graham (knee) returned to training this week. The initial Tyne-Wear derby of the season performed at the Stadium of Light in October ended in a 1-1 draw. Yohan Cabaye gave Newcastle an early lead before a late own purpose by Demba Ba just four minutes from time gave Sunderland a share of the details. The Magpies had Cheik Tiote sent off midway through the initial half. Sunderland have failed to win any of the last six Tyne-Wear derbies, dropping two and drawing four. Their latest gain was a home victory in October 2008. The Black Cats' last gain at Newcastle came in November 2,000. This is the 149th Tyne-Wear derby. Newcastle have the advantage with 53 victories to Sunderland's 46. There have been 49 draws involving the factors, with the aggregate rating reading Newcastle 222, Sunderland 216.
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