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.
1. Charity heroes in 2016
Rival Newcastle and Sunderland fans held a charity football match to raise money for the Bradley Lowery Foundation in 2016. Pictured are the organisers Kyle Robinson and Dean Sowerby. | se
2. Great work on the hospital ward
Newcastle fans put the finishing touches to a giant wall mural on the children's paediatric ward at Sunderland Royal Hospital 11 years ago. Sue Keith, from Norton, Paul Taylor, from Billingham and Jim Kane, from Whitburn did it as a thank you for the backing of Sunderland fans after the deaths of two Newcastle supporters in the Malaysian Airlines tragedy of 2014. | se
3. Friendly rivalry in 2012
Sunderland fan Adam Brown (left) with his lifelong friend and Newcastle fan Thomas Hunt, pictured in 2012. | se
4. Fierce rivals - at badminton
These fans of the two sides had a great time when they took part in a badminton competition at Crowtree Leisure Centre in 2010. | se