Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says he "hopes" Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie at Sunderland will be a season-changing game for his side.
It is the first Tyne-Wear derby (12:45 GMT) since a 1-1 Premier League draw at St James' Park in March 2016.
The Magpies have won just one of their past eight matches and have dropped to ninth in the Premier League.
Championship side Sunderland have doubts over striker Patrick Roberts for the game at the Stadium of Light.
"That's how we have to look at it," Howe said when asked if it could be a season-changing game.