Newcastle's Steven Taylor looks to be ready to return after a minor knee problem.

Hatem Ben Arfa and Yoan Gouffran should also feature, but Fabricio Coloccini (back), Davide Santon and Cheick Tiote (both hamstring) are still out.Sunderland will be without suspended midfielder Craig Gardner.Defender Carlos Cuellar (ankle) and striker Danny Graham (knee) trained this week and will have late fitness tests, but Connor Wickham is a doubt. Welcome to the madhouse. Please leave all rationality at the door.That just about sums up the way both sets of fans approach one of the most fiercely-contested derbies in Europe, never mind the UK.Did I only say fans? I meant to include players, managers, coaching staff, office staff - in fact, anyone remotely connected to either club just can't help getting emotionally involved just a little bit more than for other fixtures.   Of course, there's something - or someone - extra to put into the mix this time that's not likely to be a conduit for peace and love: Signor Paolo di Canio.The Italian's second game in charge couldn't be bigger, and conjuring up a first Sunderland win in seven derby clashes, IF he were to do so, couldn't be better for him. Black Cats of the past who've played significant roles in wins at St James' Park are almost deities on Wearside.This will be Alan Pardew's fifth experience of these fiery occasions, and he's yet to be beaten in one. Despite being a 'soft southerner' he tuned into what this fixture meant immediately - and at times has been close to taking it too far. Last season, the Magpies boss and Martin O'Neill had strong words and postured on the touchline. Will Pardew versus Paolo turn a square-up into a flare-up?Away from the local angle, looking at form and numbers Newcastle have the clear advantage. They've won their last four home games in the Premier League, whilst Sunderland have played nine games without a win anywhere. They need the points much more urgently, with many now strongly tipping them to be relegated.That's the bigger picture, and it isn't really needed for 90 minutes on Sunday. These two could meet in mid-table, mid-season, in any division, and it would still matter more than anything else to a North East public that devours football and deserves success - whatever colour the stripes.