Alan Pardew has said that both clubs will be "highly motivated" in tomorrow's Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park.

Newcastle United and Sunderland are both involved in the relegation battle with six games remaining this season.

The Magpies manager told the club's website: "It's a passionate game played by two teams who are 15 miles apart or whatever it is, passionate Mackems, passionate Geordies. We've got 50,000 and that gives us a slight advantage and I'm sure they'll want to make themselves heard.

"If you can't get motivated for this game then you shouldn't be at Newcastle and you shouldn't be at Sunderland. Both teams are very highly motivated to win.

"It's a tight game but we're really looking forward to it. We're in good shape and hopefully we can get three points."

Earlier in the season, the rivals shared the points following a 1-1 draw.

Written by
Sian Cowper