Sunderland fans have been left frustrated in recent weeks, with a point against Millwall still not good enough to suggest any improvement in form.
The Black Cats have lost eight of their 19 games in the Championship this season, while they have only managed two wins in their last nine matches.
Things are looking very gloomy on Wearside at the moment, however the weekend’s FA Cup draw seems to have brought supporters back to life.
After almost eight years without a Tyne-Wear derby, Sunderland have now been drawn Newcastle United in the third round of the competition.
The Black Cats were nine games unbeaten against their fierce rivals prior to their relegation from the Premier League, but the current state of both clubs will leave fans feeling very nervous.
However, anything can happen in the derby and it certainly won’t prevent a sell-out crowd heading to the Stadium of Light next month.
Ahead of the huge FA Cup clash, we take a look back at the last 10 Tyne-Wear derbies…
Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland – March 2016
The last derby came two months before Newcastle United were relegated to the Championship.
Jermain Defoe had opened the scoring just short of half-time, however Sunderland were unable to cling onto victory before Aleksandar Mitrovic equalised with only seven minutes of the game left.
The Geordies went onto finish in 18th place, whilst the Black Cats saved themselves on the final day.
Sunderland 3-0 Newcastle – October 2015
Sunderland’s most recent win against Newcastle came over eight years ago in Sam Allardyce’s first home game in charge.
Fabricio Coloccini was sent off on half-time, with Adam Johnson going onto open the scoring with the resulting penalty, before Billy Jones and Steven Fletcher went onto secure another huge 3-0 victory.
The three points sent Allardyce’s side above Newcastle, but the two teams remained in the bottom three.
Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle – April 2015
Jermain Defoe scored an absolute screamer on the verge of half-time at the Stadium of Light, proving to be the only goal of the game.
The win took Sunderland up to 15th in the Premier League table – three points above the relegation zone.
Newcastle 0-1 Sunderland – December 2014
Sunderland’s Christmas came early as Adam Johnson netted a 90th minute counter-attacking goal to hand them the three points at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle could have moved within touching distance of a spot in the top six if they had won.
Newcastle 0-3 Sunderland – February 2014
It was another dominating performance by Sunderland as Fabio Borini (penalty), Adam Johnson and Jack Colback claimed all three points for the visitors.
Colback celebrated wildly in front of the home supporters before moving to St. James’ Park four months later.
Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle – October 2013
Steven Fletcher opened the scoring within five minutes on Wearside, before Mathieu Debuchy grabbed the equaliser on the hour mark.
Fabio Borini was soon brought on for his fourth appearance since joining Sunderland on loan and quickly became a hero as he scored a late winner – his first goal for the Black Cats.
The victory was Sunderland’s first in five years.
Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle – October 2012
Yohan Cabaye had gifted Newcastle the lead after only three minutes at the Stadium of Light, but Sunderland managed to rescue a point when Demba Ba put the ball in his own net only four minutes from time.
Sunderland were unable to capitalise on Cheick Tiote’s first half red card, however they were thankful for a bit of luck at the end.
Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland – March 2012
Sunderland looked to have claimed a huge win at St. James’ Park when Nicklas Bendtner took the lead with a first-half penalty.
However, Shola Ameobi’s 90th minute goal meant the two sides had to share the spoils.