David Prutton has predicted a very tight game between Sunderland and Middlesbrough this weekend.
Writing for Sky Sports, the former midfielder has tipped the Black Cats to claim a narrow victory from their local rivals.
Sunderland endured a difficult start to the campaign after narrowly missing out on a place in the Championship play-off final earlier this year.
After failing to win in their opening three matches in all competitions, Tony Mowbray‘s side have rediscovered their form and have now lost only one of their previous eight matches.
After picking up six points and back-to-back clean sheets over the last week, Sunderland will be brimming with confidence heading into tomorrow’s clash with Boro.
However, the visitors will also be eager to continue their recent form. Michael Carrick’s side found themselves in the relegation zone after a horror start, but have now claimed four wins in as many games.
The Black Cats will be eager to replicate their comfortable 2-0 win from earlier this year, while Prutton has backed the team to keep up their impressive run.
“Sunderland at their free-flowing best are one of the most enjoyable teams to watch in the league,” Prutton told Sky Sports.
“They have a young side who have been given the platform and confidence to play with freedom in attack. When it works it is a joy.
“Middlesbrough have a renewed sense of optimism after three wins on the bounce. They are climbing the table again and look sharp under Michael Carrick, but I can’t back against Sunderland right now.”
Prutton rounded off his prediction with a narrow 3-2 scoreline in Sunderland’s favour.
Can Middlesbrough stop Sunderland?
Despite winning their last meeting in January, Sunderland have a very poor record against their neighbours. Boro have won six of the last eight meetings between the two clubs.
However, Boro haven’t faced such a talented Sunderland side in a very long time. Jack Clarke is unstoppable at the moment and the likes of Niall Huggins and Dan Ballard have firmed up the backline very well.
Tomorrow’s clash will certainly be one of the Black Cats’ hardest challenges this season, but a packed-out Stadium of Light adds a twelfth man and I would be very surprised if the players don’t come out all guns blazing.