Middlesbrough face off with bitter rivals Sunderland in a Championship clash this weekend.
Boro are set for their toughest challenge of the season so far when they travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.
Michael Carrick is aiming to get back to winning ways after Middlesbrough drew 1-1 with Preston North End last time out.
The Teessiders’ early season form has not been great, especially given the fact they have had a fairly kind run of Championship fixtures so far.
As for Sunderland, they suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Plymouth Argyle last time out but remain joint top of the division, while Boro are languishing in 10th place.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 8 |  DerbyDerby | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 9 |
| 9 |  LeedsLeeds | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 8 |
| 10 |  MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| 11 |  SwanseaSwansea | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
Ahead of the latest Tees–Wear derby, Boro News spoke exclusively to Sunderland expert and journalist Luke Phelps to get the lowdown on the Black Cats…
Sunderland’s 2024/25 season so far
When asked to share his thoughts on Middlesbrough’s season so far, Phelps told Boro News:
“Sunderland have obviously had a very strong start to the season. Four wins from five and then that defeat vs Plymouth Argyle last weekend, which looking back on, was avoidable.
“Regis Le Bris has completely transformed the playing style and with mostly the same set of players as last season, with many of the Black Cats’ summer signings yet to really get into the first-team picture for different reasons.
“Sunderland are high-pressing and very fluid going from defence to attack. And the loss of Jack Clarke almost seems as though it’s brought the players closer together, as they knew they would have to step up the plate in his absence, and so far they’ve done just that.”
What is Sunderland’s biggest strength
When asked to name Sunderland’s biggest strength, Phelps was quick to praise Romaine Mundle.
He said: “Later in the season, Sunderland may say that their depth in their biggest strength, though right now a lot of their summer signings are still getting to grips with the Championship.
“So far this season, Sunderland’s biggest strength has been their attacking output; they’re scoring goals all over the pitch and have a new hero in Romaine Mundle.
“The ‘new Clarke’ has scored three in his last three. He’s also doing a lot of work out of possession too and so he’s perfect for this style of play under Le Bris.
“Chris Rigg is turning heads too. The 17-year-old is not only showing potential but class as well, having become a key figurehead in the midfield, with his quick turns and neat passing providing that link between defence and attack.”
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What is Sunderland’s biggest weakness
“Individual errors. That’s what undid Sunderland vs Plymouth Argyle last time out, though eradicating that comes with time and experience.
“Sunderland remain a very young team and one that’s still lacking Championship experience, although they now boast more than they did last season.
“It’ll certainly be interesting to see how that Plymouth defeat has dented confidence too, so now might be a good time for Middlesbrough to face Sunderland.”
Sunderland vs Middlesbrough score prediction
“It’s a really difficult game for both teams and I think both would settle for a point. Let’s say 1-1.”