David Vaughan admits Sunderland players are "hurting" being bottom of the table.
Sunderland's players have been pilloried after their thrashing by Swansea City.
"Obviously we've come in for criticism from different aspects of the media and fans so this is an opportunity for us to answer back and actually show what we can do," he said.
"I've not seen much of the media over the weekend but we know what we're capable of and what we can do. We've got to start doing it. It's a good opportunity for us to kick-start our season and turn things around if we win the derby.
"People are calling it a 'must-win' - I think it is important that we don't lose. If we get something we can build on that and try and turn the situation around."
