Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris said that in his mind Saturday's match with Middlesbrough will not count as a real derby.
The game at the Stadium of Light (12:30 BST) will be the 154th meeting of the Wear-Tees derby, with Sunderland leading the rivalry 62-54.
"The most important derby from my knowledge is Newcastle," the Frenchman, who was appointed in June, told BBC Newcastle.
"Middlesbrough is an interesting fixture but I am not sure for the fans that we play a specific derby this Saturday."
Sunderland sit second in the Championship, but suffered their first defeat of the season last Saturday away to Plymouth Argyle.