United currently boast an unbeaten record on Gallowgate, with five wins and two draws, although they couldn't have left it much later than the 98th minute in which Cooper scored against Southampton Women to salvage a point back in November.
The Chatham-born centre-back has played a key role under Becky Langley this season, but after acknowledging the team's standards slipped in last Sunday's defeat at Durham Women, she is itching to play in another 'massive game' this weekend.
"I think everyone was upset with the performance from the weekend, but what an opportunity we have to set that right this weekend," she said.
"Everyone knows that playing Sunderland at St. James' Park is a massive game. We're hoping to have a huge crowd cheering us on.
"We've still got goals we want to achieve this season, and we want to ensure we finish as high up the league as possible, and that'll never change."
Cooper, of course, has fond memories of playing at St. James', with the centre-back sweeping home a last-minute equaliser on the Lasses' last outing at the stadium.
As a defender, Cooper has three goals to her name this season across all competitions, but it all started with an instinctive finish in November last year.
"I don't actually remember what happened or went through my mind," Cooper explained to newcastleunited.com.
"I remember just saying to myself, 'do not miss', and then the next thing I'd scored, and I just remember being so tired.
"As a squad, we've got a never-say-die attitude, and it's something we pride ourselves on which is why we were so disappointed on Sunday - but I know it'll be there against Sunderland."
The 31-year-old, like everyone connected with the club, witnessed the scenes on the streets of Newcastle after the men lifted the Carabao Cup.
Cooper, who joined United in the summer having previously played for Reading Women, has already played at St. James' Park twice, lifting the Sela Cup against AC Milan Women before the league outing versus the Saints.
So while she's only been an adopted Geordie for eight months, it's certainly been made clear just how much the Tyne-Wear derby means to the people of Newcastle.
"Obviously I've been speaking to the Geordies in the group, players and the coaching staff, so we're aware of how big a game this is for the city, especially after what the men managed to do on Sunday.
"It's not just the Geordies in the group either, but the girls who've played up here for a few years now.
"In my head - and I think I might be a bit different from others - but it's just a league game and one we have to win."
A win on Sunday would not only see United pick up three points but also move up to as high as fifth in the Barclays Women's Championship - all while attracting a league-high crowd, something Cooper was keen to highlight as a big moment for North East women's football.
"It would be a massive achievement for women's football in the North East if we could beat the club's record attendance," she said.
"Everyone wants to play in front of big crowds because that's what we play football for, so to have that opportunity to do so while playing for Newcastle is something I'm looking forward to."
Tickets are currently on general sale here at an advanced online price of £8 for adults and £2 children, with a £1 donation from every ticket sold going to Newcastle United Foundation. Hospitality and premium packages are also available.
