Former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew makes his first return to Tyneside on Saturday with a trip to former fierce rivals Sunderland, who have appointed a new head coach since the Crystal Palace boss left - Dick Advocaat.

The 67-year-old Dutch manager has invigorated, in recent times, a disappointed fanbase with a spectacular win  against Tyneside rivals Newcastle United the past weekend in a 1-0 triumph, which saw them extend their winning streak to five games over their North-East neighbours. Sunderland striker Connor Wickham told the club's website how pleased he was with the fantastic support he and his teammates received from the Sunderland faithful despite recent poor results.

"You could see what it meant to the fans,” he said. 

“All the way through the game and at the end they were great and I think we need that every week. The win provided a massive boost for us, for the club and for the supporters.

"When they're like that it's almost like having an extra man and it is really intimidating for the opposition, so hopefully they can provide the same backing on Saturday."

Pardew, who has led his side to three wins in a row with the most recent being a 2-1 win over champions Manchester City, is aware of the atmosphere that can be created by the Sunderland fans at the Stadium of Light.

"I expect an atmosphere that they normally create for any game there," he said.

"We are going there in great form and I think the stadium will be wary of us because, irrespective of my reception, it is about the 11 players on the pitch.

"I think the Sunderland fans know that we are in really good form.

"The group is on a high. We have a different type of game this Saturday and we need to make the adjustment quickly."

Date: Saturday 11th April 2015

Time: 15:00 GMT

Venue: Stadium of Light

Referee: Anthony Taylor

Team News

Sunderland: Wes Brown, Emanuele Giaccherini and Ricky Alvarez are all out due to injury and Sebastian Larsson begins a two-match suspension after picking up his tenth yellow card of the season last weekend. Jack Rodwell may return to the side, but is still a doubt.

Crystal Palace: Captain Mile Jedinak returns, but Marouane Chamakh, Fraizer Campbell and Jordon Mutch will all miss out with persisting injuries. Joe Ledley remains a doubt with a hip problem.