Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole sees their clash with Newcastle United as a must-win.
Cattermole is set to return from a two-game suspension on Sunday, as the Black Cats take on rivals Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light.
"We need to improve but there is no better place to start than a derby, so it is up to us to put in a good performance and more importantly pick up the three points," said Cattermole.
"The lads are right behind him [Dick Advocaat] and our recent record against Newcastle United has been very good, and although every derby game is different we have the experience and we have the belief that we can deal with whatever is thrown at us."