Three points for Sunderland would not make or break their season, but it would allow them to draw a line under one of the blackest days in their recent history.

And for that reason alone, the Magpies' visit to the Stadium of Light is a huge fixture.

The Black Cats headed for St James' Park on October 31 last year confident they could establish themselves as the dominant force in north-east football following Newcastle's return to the top flight in the wake of an ignominious relegation.

However, 90 dismal minutes later, they headed back to Wearside on the wrong end of a 5-1 scoreline after suffering their worst derby defeat in more than 50 years, a failure of epic proportions.

Zenden - an unused substitute that day - and his team-mates have had a long time to reflect upon that dreadful afternoon on Tyneside, but the 34-year-old Dutchman will approach the reverse fixture full of confidence.

He said: "It gives you an opportunity to redeem yourself, not to talk about revenge, but to redeem yourself and say, 'Listen, the first one, we didn't really participate and we didn't cope with the occasion'.

"Maybe this time around, it is different for most of the boys as well because we are playing at home and we will have the fans behind us.

"Maybe for some, that will make a big difference and they might feel a bit more at ease, I don't know.

"It's a big game and either away or at home, it's always enjoyable to play in. There's absolutely no fear factor.

"At the end of the day, it's another game. The way I look at it, the most important fixture is the next one.

"In this case, it's the Newcastle derby, but in the situation in which we are in the league, why should we fear it?

"We are not there for nothing, we did get the results, and they are not far behind us either, so it's a case of keeping the distance."

Sunderland's response has been to put together a run of results which has seen them climb into sixth place in the Barclays Premier League, but the memories of that day remain painfully raw.

Manager Steve Bruce admits his team paid for its youth and naivety at St James', although neither charge could be laid at the feat of Zenden, whose days at PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Marseille have prepared him for the rigors of derby football.

He said: "You have to cope with it in the best way. If you play a derby or a classico, you have to play with your heart because you know what it means for the fans.

"But more so, you have to play with your head because if you lose your head, you are more likely to lose the game as well.

"It's about doing the right things."

The Black Cats simply did not do enough of the right things at St James', although Zenden, who is available after sitting out the FA Cup defeat by Notts County through suspension, believes a horrible experience has provided the catalyst for the good run of form which has followed.

He said: "I have never really lost a derby or a classico in that manner, but it's true that it can work two ways.

"Newcastle got a boost from it, and we had a good look in the mirror and sort of kicked off the rest of the season up until now, because we have had really good results.

"Maybe in some way, we should thank them."