Everything is on the line during tonight’s 114th Tyne-Tees derby between Newcastle United and Middlesbrough, with respect, honor and relegation either won or lost during those 90+ minutes at St. James’ Park.  Question now is which of these two troubled teams makes the most of this match, probably the most important either have been a part of in a very long time.

Via UEFA 

The sides are level on points in the Premier League’s relegation zone, three points adrift of fourth-bottom Hull City AFC ? who lost to Stoke City FC on Saturday ? with three games remaining. A draw, therefore, will do neither side any favours in their attempts to clamber out of the bottom three, though victories have been hard to come by this term: Newcastle’s six wins are the fewest in the top flight while their opponents have won only once more and have lost ten successive away league games, equaling a club record.

None of the Magpies’ wins have come since the appointment of former captain Alan Shearer at the beginning of April on an interim basis – their fourth manager of the season after Kevin Keegan, Chris Hughton and Joe Kinnear.

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate echoes his former England team-mate’s thoughts and is hoping his young squad can show their mettle when they make the 45-mile journey up the A19 to St James’ Park. “That will be important, but we have to get results, we have got to score goals and we have got to play well,” he said. “Holding your nerve is important – there will be some big atmospheres to cope with, some big matches to play in. Going out and performing and being able to perform under pressure will be key, definitely.”

Image via Static