Sunderland take on their bitter North East rivals Middlesbrough on Monday night in what could be a pivotal game in the promotion race this season.
Regis Le Bris’ side have had to sit back and watch their promotion rivals in action this weekend, with Leeds United and Sheffield United both picking up wins, while Burnley dropped points away at Portsmouth.
Now, all eyes will be on the Riverside Stadium as Championship neutrals tune in to watch Middlesbrough versus Sunderland, and this Tees-Wear derby is one of the most important in recent memory.
We’ve already taken a look at what Sunderland players may be involved with our predicted lineup for the Middlesbrough clash, but now we’ve got an expert in to discuss the ways Le Bris could really hurt Michael Carrick’s team.
Sunderland can exploit Middlesbrough’s defence on both sides
We spoke to Middlesbrough expert, Josh Barker, about the frailties within the Teessiders’ squad, and he pinpointed the fact Carrick does not have a suitable option at left-back to deal with Sunderland’s threat, especially if Patrick Roberts puts in the performance we know he’s capable of.
He said: “When Sunderland travel to the Riverside on Monday I am expecting them, like many other sides have this season, to target our left-hand side. Left-back has been a major problem area for Middlesbrough since Ryan Giles’ loan ended in 2023.
“Giles has now returned this month but starting him against Sunderland could prove risky. The loanee is incredibly attack-minded and with Riley McGree not expected to be fit to start ahead of him on the left wing, starting Giles will greatly increase the risk of Sunderland creating goal-scoring chances down out left.
“The alternative option and the player most likely to start is Neto Borges. But he is pretty weak defensively and didn’t cover himself in glory in the reverse fixture when up against Patrick Roberts.”
Unfortunately, Middlesbrough also have concerns on the right side of their defence, too, with Luke Ayling a player Sunderland should look to target.
| Statistics | Luke Ayling (2024/25) |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 23 |
| Minutes | 1,690 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass success | 83.3% |
| Errors | 1 |
| Tackles won | 70.2% |
Barker added: “Thankfully, ‘Boro have finally signed a new goalkeeper in Mark Travers so Tom Glover doesn’t have to feature against Sunderland. However, even with a new keeper, I expect our defence to really struggle against Sunderland’s attack.
“I know Enzo Le Fee has received some criticism for his performances on the left since his January transfer and I’m not sure if he’ll start there for this game. But, whoever does will likely have an easy afternoon up against Luke Ayling. He’s been solid for us but age is clearly catching up with him and he’s just not been great these last few months.”
Finn Azaz will be key to Middlesbrough’s hopes vs Sunderland
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for Middlesbrough. It’s important to remember they are a team fighting for a play-off spot, and they’re up there for a reason.
Carrick’s team could be lacking options in the forward area come Monday, and while new signing Morgan Whittaker is one to watch, it is Finn Azaz who will be the main threat.
Barker said: “It is very possible Middlesbrough kick off against Sunderland without either of their two starting strikers available, so I’m not expecting a whole look from us at the top end of the pitch.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LeedsLeeds | 30 | 18 | 9 | 3 | 60 | 19 | 41 | 63 |
| 2 |  Sheff UtdSheffield Utd | 30 | 19 | 6 | 5 | 41 | 21 | 20 | 61 |
| 3 |  BurnleyBurnley | 30 | 15 | 13 | 2 | 36 | 9 | 27 | 58 |
| 4 |  SunderlandSunderland | 29 | 15 | 10 | 4 | 42 | 24 | 18 | 55 |
| 5 |  BlackburnBlackburn | 30 | 13 | 6 | 11 | 34 | 29 | 5 | 45 |
| 6 |  West BromWest Brom | 30 | 10 | 14 | 6 | 39 | 27 | 12 | 44 |
| 7 |  MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough | 29 | 12 | 8 | 9 | 47 | 36 | 11 | 44 |
“If we are going to have any joy on the goal front, it will likely come from Finn Azaz. He’s got eight goals and nine assists in the Championship this season and ‘Boro will need a moment of magic, which he’s produced on more than one occasion this season, if they are to open up the Black Cats.”
For Le Bris, then, it is surely time to recall Dan Ballard to the starting lineup in order to counter those attacking threats for the upcoming fixture.