Middlesbrough face one of their toughest tests of the season on Saturday when they travel to Sunderland.
Regis Le Bris played down the rivalry between Middlesbrough and Sunderland in his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon.
However, despite some Sunderland fans not classing the fixture as a derby, it is sure to be a feisty affair for a number of reasons.
The Tees-Wear derby is the oldest competitive football derby fixture in the North East, beginning on November 26th, 1887.
This season’s fixture is once again set to be a massive affair, with both teams having promotion aspirations.
Sunderland have had the better start to the campaign, picking up 12 points from 15. Boro, meanwhile, have only accumulated eight from their first five Championship fixtures.
A tight affair is expected on Saturday, with Middlesbrough predicted to draw 1-1 with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Michael Carrick must end unwanted Middlesbrough record vs Sunderland
It is easy to see why Boro are not being backed to pick up the win given their record at Sunderland’s ground.
The Teessiders have lost on just one occasion versus their bitter rivals since an FA Cup defeat back in 2012.
However, Middlesbrough’s record at the Stadium of Light is cause for concern. Michael Carrick’s men smashed Sunderland 4-0 at their ground during the 2023/24 season.
But Boro have not won two league matches in a row at the Stadium of Light since 2006. (3-0, 3-1).
As a result, Carrick will have to end that unwanted 18-year record if his side are to come away with three points on September 21st.
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Why Middlesbrough will beat Sunderland
The Black Cats have had an excellent start to the season and are playing some great football.
They have a number of quality players on their books and Middlesbrough have been warned about Romaine Mundle and the threat he poses.
However, while it is Sunderland who have the better form going into the weekend, the game is perfect for Boro and how they like to operate.
Carrick’s team are at their best when the opposition presses high, allowing Middlesbrough to break on the counter with great speed and efficiency.
This tactic was on full display when Boro thumped Leeds United in the Carabao Cup last month and Sunderland should present the Teessiders with similar opportunities on Saturday given it is very unlikely they will sit back and let Middlesbrough dominate the tie.