Lock up your valuables. Hide the children. The Tyne-Wear derby is back in the Premier League.
Sunderland versus Newcastle is not just a football match. It is a war. A battle for the soul of the Northeast. A 90-minute explosion of hatred, passion, and sheer bloody-mindedness that makes other rivalries look like friendly kickabouts.
Sunday afternoon at the Stadium of Light is going to be absolutely mental.
Why this derby matters
For years, Sunderland fans have had to watch their rivals compete in the Premier League while they languished in the Championship. The pain of relegation, the misery of mid-table mediocrity, the jokes from Geordie mates at work - it has all been building up.
Now they are back. And they are not just making up the numbers. Regis Le Bris has turned Sunderland into genuine European contenders. Sixth place with 23 points is a remarkable achievement for a newly promoted side.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have been frustratingly inconsistent. Eddie Howe's side sit 12th on 19 points - four points and six places below their bitter rivals. Let that sink in for a moment. Sunderland are above Newcastle in the Premier League table.
The Mackems will not let the Geordies forget that anytime soon.
Form guide
Sunderland have been solid at home this season. The Stadium of Light has become a fortress under Le Bris, with the crowd creating an atmosphere that intimidates visiting teams.
They were beaten 3-0 by Man City two weeks ago, but that was always going to be a tough ask. Before that, they had won three home games on the bounce.
Newcastle's away form has been patchy at best. They beat Burnley 2-1 last weekend but have struggled on the road against better organised opposition. Alexander Isak remains their main threat, but the Swedish striker has gone quiet in recent weeks.
Key battles
The midfield battle will be crucial. Sunderland's engine room of Dan Neil and Chris Rigg has been superb this season - Rigg in particular has emerged as one of the best young talents in the division.
Newcastle will look to Bruno Guimaraes to control proceedings. When the Brazilian is on song, the Magpies are a different team. But he has been inconsistent this season, and the hostile atmosphere will test his concentration.
Up front, it is Isak versus the Sunderland defence. The Black Cats have been well organised at the back, but Isak's movement and finishing ability can unlock any defence. If he gets chances, he will score.
The atmosphere
This is what Premier League football is all about. Forget the plastic atmospheres at some of the bigger grounds. The Stadium of Light on derby day is raw, hostile, and absolutely incredible.
The noise will be deafening from the first whistle. Every tackle will be cheered like a goal. Every Newcastle player who touches the ball will be booed mercilessly. It is tribal, intense, and utterly brilliant.
Players either thrive in this environment or they crumble. There is no middle ground.
Barry's prediction
Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle
Derbies are notoriously hard to call, and this one feels like it could go either way. Both teams will be desperate not to lose, which often leads to cagey, tense affairs.
Expect late tackles, yellow cards, and at least one moment of controversy. The referee is going to have his hands full keeping a lid on this one.
A draw would feel like a win for Sunderland given where the two clubs were 18 months ago. For Newcastle, anything less than three points will feel like a defeat.
Whatever happens, this is going to be box office. The Tyne-Wear derby is back, and English football is better for it.
