Jack Colback knows history is not Sunderland's side ahead to today's derby against Newcastle United.

The Black Cats have beaten their arch-rivals in the league on Wearside only once since 1980, and have just one win either home and away against the Magpies in 15 attempts.

Colback, 22, said: "Certainly from what I can remember growing up, it's always seemed to be that way, that Sunderland have played well and just not got the rub of the green. The games have always been tight.

"But it is certainly something we will be looking to change. We would rather have a shocker of a game performance-wise and win the game than play well and lose, for sure.

"It's the type of game in which, certainly at home, defeat just isn't an option."