The upcoming Tees-Wear derby carries extra weight this season, with both Sunderland and Middlesbrough battling for promotion.
Sunderland go into the upcoming fixture two places and 11 points ahead of Middlesbrough in the Championship table, but form goes out of the window in derby matches like this one.
Regis Le Bris’ side will be looking to make amends after dropping points against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, while Middlesbrough need to bounce back after defeat against Preston North End.
There are plenty of reasons for Sunderland to fear Middlesbrough, and though it’s a short trip, it will certainly be a daunting one for Le Bris and his men.
However, you don’t have to move at all to watch the game, as we’ve got all the details you need to see the action unfold from the comfort of your home.
Middlesbrough vs Sunderland kick-off time
The Middlesbrough vs Sunderland game is scheduled to kick off at 8pm on Monday, February 3rd.
Interestingly, the game will end just an hour before the transfer deadline, leaving Le Bris with an unwanted distraction amid his preparations for the match.
How to watch Middlesbrough vs Sunderland
As usual, you’ll be able to watch the match with a Sky Sports package, with the tie being broadcast on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Championship.
Coverage starts at 7pm, with plenty of pre-match build-up and analysis of both teams and their promotion credentials.
- Championship
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MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough
SunderlandSunderland
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If you’re on the move, you can also watch the game via the SkyGo app.
And, in a unique move by the EFL this season, the Middlesbrough vs Sunderland game will be free to watch on ITV4. Coverage there starts at 7:30pm.
Team and injury news ahead of Middlesbrough vs Sunderland
We had a go at predicting the Sunderland lineup for the Middlesbrough game, and so far, there has been no fresh injury issues to change our mind.
Ian Poveda, Jenson Seelt, and Alan Browne are building match fitness, with the latter still a little behind in that process.
Meanwhile Tommy Watson’s return is about two weeks away, with Romaine Mundle on a similar trajectory. We also know Aji Alese is out for the rest of the season with a broken leg.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LeedsLeeds | 29 | 17 | 9 | 3 | 53 | 19 | 34 | 60 |
| 2 |  Sheff UtdSheffield Utd | 29 | 18 | 6 | 5 | 40 | 21 | 19 | 58 |
| 3 |  BurnleyBurnley | 29 | 15 | 12 | 2 | 36 | 9 | 27 | 57 |
| 4 | SunderlandSunderland | 29 | 15 | 10 | 4 | 42 | 24 | 18 | 55 |
| 5 |  West BromWest Brom | 29 | 10 | 14 | 5 | 38 | 25 | 13 | 44 |
| 6 | MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough | 29 | 12 | 8 | 9 | 47 | 36 | 11 | 44 |
As for Middlesbrough, there are a fair few injuries to contend with. Thomas Smith is out until the end of February with his Achilles, while Alex Bangura, Riley McGree, and Anfernee Dijksteel are all missing until mid-February.
Seny Dieng, Darragh Lenihan, and Jonny Howson all look like they need at least another week in their respective recoveries, while Tommy Conway has a small chance of being available for Monday.
Goalkeeper Sol Brynn is on the sidelines until April. Middlesbrough may also be without one of their best players, Emmanuel Latte Lath, who picked up an injury at the weekend — his return date is unknown at this time, but he could well be back straight away if his issue is not as serious as first feared.