Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of today's local derby between bitter rivals Newcastle United and Sunderland in the Premier League. It's safe to say that there is plenty of animosity between these side, and we're sure to be in for a feisty encounter over the next couple of hours. Team news should be with you shortly.

NEWCASTLE: Alnwick; Janmaat, Coloccini, S.Taylor, Dummett; Sissoko, Colback, Tiote; Gouffran, Perez, Ameobi

NEWCASTLE SUBS: Woodman, Haidara, Williamson, Cabella, Armstrong, Riviere, Cisse

After seeing his side lose 4-0 at Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup quarter-finals in midweek, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has made four changes for today's game. Steven Taylor and Daryl Janmaat are brought into the defence, while Cheick Tiote and Sammy Ameobi are also given the nod. Mike Williamson and Remy Cabella are among those who drop down to the bench.

SUNDERLAND: Pantilimon; Vergini, Reveillere, O'Shea, Brown; Cattermole, Larsson, Gomez, Johnson, Wickham; Fletcher

SUNDERLAND SUBS: Bridcutt, Rodwell, Altidore, Alvarez, Coates, Buckley, Mannone

Following on from their 1-1 at home to West Ham United last weekend, Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has made just the one change to his starting XI for this afternoon's clash. Jozy Altidore drops to the bench for the visitors, with Steven Fletcher replacing the USA international up front.

Right, let's get down to business. This is among the fiercest rivals in English football, with both clubs and fans always desperate to put one over on their nearest and dearest. So, what can we expect this afternoon? There is sure to be a very lively atmosphere in the stands, that's for sure, while the action could be just as hotly contested out on the pitch.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew: "I've been lucky enough to play in cup finals, but if any manager asked me, 'What's the biggest game you've been involved in', I'd say Newcastle versus Sunderland.

"The electricity of this game really is something else, and you have to be at it to appreciate it. I'm looking forward to experiencing that again. The end, not so much if you lose. Particularly around Christmas time, when it's goodwill to all men, the gravy is going to be a bit lumpy if we lose. So it's important to win."

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Sunderland manager Gus Poyet: "When you're on the winning side it's fantastic, it's great, the feeling is unique, so you need to try as hard as you can not to be in the losing side.

"So, it's always special, something unique will always happen and we're trying to make sure that it is from us. There are key moments during the season and we are looking for that.

"Our idea is to go and win two or three in a row, which we haven't done, and that will change the season around. The biggest and best game to do it is in the derby, so it would be a perfect start."

One player who is sure to be the focus of attention this afternoon is Newcastle midfielder Jack Colback. A product of Sunderland's youth academy, the 25-year-old ended his 15-year association with the Black Cats in the summer when he made the controversial switch to the Magpies. Colback has done his bit to fan the flames before the match, claiming that he will leap into the Newcastle fans should he score against his former club. The Sunderland supporters will certainly let their feelings known whenever he's on the ball.

HEAD TO HEAD: It's Newcastle who have the better record when it comes to past meetings between these teams, winning 51 games compared to Sunderland's 45. There have also been a total of 45 draws since they first met over 100 years ago.

Despite Newcastle's overall dominance, it's Sunderland who have been on top in this fixture over the past couple of years. The Black Cats have an impressive record of having won their last three games against their local rivals, including a 3-0 triumph at St James' Park last season. The Magpies' have failed to beat Sunderland in their previous five attempts, with their last victory coming back in August 2011.

Got a spare couple of minutes before kickoff? Why not check out our video preview for today's game:

To add to this thoroughly North-East occasion, there is some pretty heavy rain coming down onto the pitch at St James' Park. It's unclear whether it will persist until kickoff, which is less than 30 minutes away, but it's sure to make the pitch incredibly slippy.

Here are a few words from former Sunderland striker and chairman Niall Quinn, urging travelling fans not to give Jack Colback a hard time this afternoon. Good luck with that...

"Jack would have been a prized possession of the academy and it just hurts to see it happen that way, but it's the rules, it's football. So there is no ill feeling towards Jack.

"Good luck to him. It would be difficult if he had played 10-12 years and headed off towards the end of his career but he was just becoming the player that we hoped he would. He has done great at Newcastle. He is a very important part of their team.

"He is not the type of player to court derision from the fans, he was such a hard working, fair, tidy individual, disciplined player, he was your 'Mr Dependable' at Sunderland. I wouldn't be inclined to encourage people to boo him or whatever. He found himself in a situation where him and his agent bailed out. Some of the diehard fans might not take the same approach."

Looking at the league table, it's clear that Sunderland are more in need of the points than Newcastle as we head into a frantic festive schedule. The Black Cats currently sit just one point above the relegation zone having failed to win any of their last six games. Meanwhile, Newcastle's resurgence was halted last week with that defeat at Arsenal. However, a win today could push the Magpies up to seventh place in the standings.

5 - There have been five red cards in the last eight PL games between Newcastle and Sunderland, though none in the last three. Restraint. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 21, 2014

An interesting aspect of the Newcastle team selection is Papiss Cisse's inclusion on the bench. The Senegalese international has been impressive in front of goal this season, but maybe Alan Pardew is hoping that he can make an impact as a substitute if needs be.

BREAKING NEWS! Sunderland have been dealt an injury blow in the warm-up, with Anthony Reveillere suffering a knock. He will be replaced by Sebastian Coates in the starting XI. Not ideal for Gus Poyet, having to reshuffle his pack so close to kickoff.

Around five minutes to go until the first Tyne-Wear derby of the season gets underway and the players are starting to emerge in the tunnel at St James' Park. The atmosphere is electric inside the stadium, despite the rain.

KICKOFF! The teams are out, the pre-match handshakes have been done, and it will be hosts Newcastle to get us underway. The noise inside the stadium is tremendous. Here we go!

It's been a really lively start to the match, with Newcastle seeing the majority of the ball. The first booking of the game goes to Sunderland defender Coates for chopping down Perez on the edge of the box, Dummett takes the resulting free kick, but he blazes his effort over the crossbar. For the record, Lee Cattermole gave away a foul inside the first 15 seconds.

Newcastle continue to dominate possession, though the visitors are beginning to get one or two touches under their belts. The hosts surge forward again with Perez down the left, though his cross is gathered by Pantillimon.

YELLOW CARD! It's one booking apiece now as Newcastle captain Coloccini is cautioned for clattering into Fletcher on the touchline. This game is already proving to be a physical affair.

A moment of panic inside the Sunderland box as Pantillimon makes a mess of a cross, forcing him to dribble the ball out of his 18-yard area before hoofing it away. Newcastle are looking dangerous with their deliveries from wide positions during the early stages.

CHANCE! That would have been a superb goal for Newcastle, but Pantillimon is there to deny Sissoko. The Magpies midfielder exchanges passes quickly with Ameobi before surging past a couple of defenders and into the box. He then hits a low drive towards goal, only to be denied by the Black Cats' shotstopper.

It's been nothing short of frenetic so far, with both teams fighting ferociously for superiority. While Newcastle still look the more likely to score the opener, Sunderland are starting to show a bit more determination - particularly in central areas.

Gus Poyet will be pleased with how his players are weathering this Newcastle storm. The Black Cats have been the lesser side so far, but they're looking organised and disciplined. The likes of Johnson and Fletcher are doing a lot of running high up the pitch in order to keep the Newcastle defence on their toes.

CHANCE! Oh, what an opening for the visitors! They win a free kick out on the right that is whipped towards the back post. Wickham gets his head on it, but he somehow nods the ball wide when it looked easier to score. It could have been a case of Coates getting in his way there.

YELLOW CARD! Newcastle midfielder Tiote is the latest name to go into the book for a clash with Wickham. His fifth yellow card of the season, the Ivorian will now miss his side's trip to Manchester United on Boxing Day.

YELLOW CARD! Referee Anthony Taylor goes into his pocket again, this time to book Colback for his challenge on Gomez.

OFF THE CROSSBAR! Sunderland come within inches of taking the lead as Fletcher gets on the end of a hopeful ball over the top of the Newcastle defence, but his volley crashes against the crossbar before going out of play.

All of these stoppages in the last few minutes have turned the game into a scrappy affair, which is playing into Sunderland's hands. The visitors are happy to stem the flow of Newcastle's attacks and hit them on the break. Despite the hosts dominating, it's the away side who have had the two best chances so far.

It's now Sunderland who are looking the more comfortable. It's taken them a while to really get a grip on this match, but the visitors have been more composed and measured during the last few minutes. Meanwhile, Newcastle have gone slightly off the boil following their frantic start.

CHANCE! He's shown flashes of magic already this afternoon and Perez gets the crowd off their feet again with a decent effort that nearly creeps in the far post. The youngster cuts onto his right foot after receiving the ball out on the left, though his shot ultimately goes the wrong side of the post with Pantillimon looking beaten.

Now it's Sunderland who threaten to take the lead as a cross from the right is met by the head of Wickham, but the youngster's attempt is well held by Alnwick. It's end-to-end stuff at the minute.

YELLOW CARD! A deserved booking for Wickham there, who is cautioned for jumping into Alnwick while challenging for an aerial ball. He'll miss Sunderland's clash at home to Hull City on Boxing Day.

Despite a lack of goals, it's been a thoroughly entertaining opening half at St James' Park. Both sides have shown plenty of attacking intent, while there has also been an abundance of robust tackles. The latest opening falls to Wickham, who tries his luck from the edge of the box. However, his shot goes harmlessly wide of the post.

Sunderland are doing all of the pressing as we head towards the half-time whistle. Johnson's inswinging free kick from the right is whipped into a dangerous area, only for Coloccini to rise above everyone and head it away.

There will be TWO MINUTES of added time...

The half-time whistle goes, bringing an end to a riveting opening half at St James' Park. We've not had any goals so far, but that's not to say that the match has been lacking in action. Far from it.

Newcastle came flying out of the traps, pinning Sunderland back for large periods. However, it's the visitors who carved out the best two chances. Connor Wickham somehow headed wide from a free kick when it looked easier to score before Steven Fletcher rattled the crossbar with a clever volley.

While there has been action at both ends, the game has also had its share of yellow cards. We've had five bookings in total - three for Newcastle and two for Sunderland. Referee Anthony Taylor has been kept busy and you get the feeling that he will be brandishing a few more cards between now and the final whistle.

2 - In the first half Newcastle & Sunderland both had: 2 shots on target, 4 shots off target, 1 blocked shot, 2 headed shots. Parity. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 21, 2014

Remember, it's Sunderland who need the points more than Newcastle at the moment. The Black Cats are currently just one point above the relegation zone, while Newcastle are in ninth place in the table. That said, Gus Poyet would probably be happy to leave St James' Park with a share of the spoils this afternoon.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The teams are back out and it will be Sunderland to kick us off for the second half. No changes from either manager at the break.

It's been a fairly low-key start to the second half, with both teams tentatively passing the ball about. Newcastle work themselves some space in front of the Sunderland box in one instance, but Janmaat's final ball is a poor one that Pantilimon easily deals with.

Ouch. Taylor clatters into the post while dealing with a Wickham cross and it looks as if he's suffered a gash to the face. Play was stopped instantly there.

Taylor runs off the pitch before receiving more treatment, so he may yet be back out and ready for action. Anyway, play continues with Newcastle down to 10 men.

MISS! Sunderland squander a glorious chance to make it 1-0 through Gomez. The visitors break quickly up the pitch before Fletcher receives the ball out on the right. He picks out Gomez in acres of space, but the midfielder shanks his shot high and wide from about 10 yards. It's a head-in-hands moment for the Spaniard.

YELLOW CARD! Credit to Lee Cattermole, it's taken him 56 minutes before going into the book. The midfielder picks up a yellow card for tripping Perez with Newcastle looking to break. Meanwhile, the Newcastle fans rise to their feet as Taylor emerges from the touchline to re-enter the action.

NEWCASTLE SUB: The hosts make their first change of the match as Yoan Gouffran is replaced by local youngster Adam Armstrong.

While the first half was frantic and end to end, the second period is proving to be a more tentative affair. Both sides are still looking to get forward and attack, but there is a wariness about what they're doing as we head into the final 30 minutes.

SAVE! What a stop from Pantilimon to keep the game goalless! Perez tries his luck with curling effort from 25 yards that looks destined for the top corner, but Sunderland's goalkeeper uses all of his impressive frame to tip the ball away.

It remains fairly end to end with around 25 minutes left to play at St James' Park. Newcastle are looking a bit more dangerous when they surge forward, but Sunderland are using the pace of their wide players well in the final third. The robust tackles continue to fly in.

YELLOW CARD! Sunderland skipper O'Shea gets his name in the book after fouling Sissoko on the right touchline.

SUNDERLAND SUB: The visitors make a change now as Liam Bridcutt replaces Lee Cattermole. A like for like change.

CHANCE! Armstrong has the chance to make himself a hero for Newcastle, latching onto a Sissoko pass that cuts the Sunderland defence in two. The youngster is forced wide before hitting a low drive towards goal that Pantilimos saves at his near post.

CHANCE! A good opportunity again for Newcastle as Perez turns Brown brilliantly before trying to curl the ball into the net. However, Pantilimon keeps his cool to gather the ball and ease the danger.

NEWCASTLE SUB: The Magpies roll the dice as Cheick Tiote is brought off for Papiss Cisse. Alan Pardew is clearly going for it during these final 15 minutes or so.

CHANCE! This game is really starting to open up as Sunderland almost take the lead through Johnson. A good passing move for the visitors sees the winger receive the ball out on the left. He then darts into the Newcastle box before opening up some space on his left foot, but he curls his shot wide of the far post.

One thing is for certain: both teams have not covered themselves in glory when it has come to their finishing this afternoon. There have been plenty of chances at both ends, but a failure to find the net means that this game remains 0-0 as we approach the final 10 minutes. You would think that a goal now will probably win it.

SUNDERLAND SUB: Another change for the visitors sees Will Buckley replace Connor Wickham, who missed a glorious opening during the first half when he headed wide a simple opportunity.

The tension is palpable inside St James' Park. The home fans have been in excellent voice this afternoon, but it's now at a stage in the game where the slightest error could signal disaster. You imagine the fingernails are being chewed frantically in the stands.

Newcastle are pushing for a winner now, while Sunderland are being forced further and further back. It's all hands to the pump for Gus Poyet's men. The Black Cats look like they would be content with a share of the spoils right now.

NEWCASTLE SUB: Here's another change for the hosts, with Remy Cabella replacing Sammy Ameobi. Can the French winger make the difference in the final few minutes?

Incredible! Sunderland have surely won the derby thanks to a goal from Adam Johnson. The visitors break at lightning pace following a Newcastle corner, and it's Johnson who pops up inside the Newcastle box to smash past Alnwick from 10 yards out. What a finale to this game.

There will be FIVE MINUTES of added time...

The Newcastle players and fans seem absolutely shell-shocked following that goal. Sunderland were so quick on the break, with about five players all surging forward to cause the home side a problem. It took a matter of seconds for them to get from one end of the pitch to another.

SUNDERLAND: The away side make a final swap as Sebastian Larsson is replaced by Jack Rodwell.

The section of Sunderland fans inside St James' Park erupt as the visitors earn a 1-0 win over Newcastle to make it four consecutive victories in the Tyne-Wear derby. The game looked to be heading for a draw before Adam Johnson fired in to give the away side the points.

That's all from our live text coverage of today's match, but don't forget that you can keep up to date with all of the reaction from both camps right here on Sports Mole. Thanks for your company, we hope you have a great Christmas. Goodbye!