And while Sunderland and Newcastle will go head to head at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, we wanted to look back at 9 times when the passionate fans of both sides got together.
Whether it was for charity, fun or banter, have a look at these memories from 2005 to 2016 showing supporters displaying rivalry at its best - in friendliness.
And if you want more nostalgia, visit the Sunderland Echo website and click on the retro section.
5. Charity champions in 2009
Friendly rivals Sunderland fan Tony Graham and Newcastle fan Gus Lake set off on a 13 mile charity walk from the Stadium of Light to St. James Park, Newcastle in aid of NSPCC and Dementia Care, in 2009. | se
6. Retro in the boxing ring
A Morpeth boxing match involved Sunderland and Newcastle fans competing on the eve of the 2009 derby match. Here are Keith Coultas, left, referee Graham Bullough, centre, and boxing club owner Shaun Carters. | se
7. Haway back to 2008
Back to 2008 when Sunderland fan Pete Watson discovered that the driver of a limo - who was taking supporters from The Rosedene pub to the final match of the season - was a Newcastle fan. | se
8. Check out a 2008 charity day in Boldon
Staff from Asda in Boldon may have been on opposite sides of the football rivalry but they settled their differences with a fundraising day in 2008. | se