Sunderland take on Middlesbrough in the Championship this weekend.
Sunderland welcome Middlesbrough to the Stadium of Light this weekend.
It’s another tough outing for the Black Cats and one that’s being shown live on Sky Sports in what is a 12:30pm kick off on Saturday.
Regis Le Bris is looking for a return to winning ways after suffering his first league defeat last time out.
Sunderland lost 3-2 vs Plymouth Argyle but remain in 2nd place of the Championship table, one point behind West Brom.
Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough sit in 10th; Boro have taken eight points from a possible 15 so far this season, but have lost just once in the league so far.
Ahead of the weekend, Sunderland AFC News spoke exclusively to Middlesbrough expert and journalist Josh Barker to get the lowdown on Boro…
Middlesbrough’s 2024/25 season so far
Asked to share his thoughts on Middlesbrough’s season so far, Barker told Sunderland AFC News: “Frustrating is the best way to sum up Middlesbrough’s start to the season.
“Boro have dominated the majority of their opening five fixtures but struggled to put away their chances despite creating plenty.
“But even with points dropped against two of the three newly promoted teams already, I see no need to panic at this stage.
“Boro’s 9.6 xG is the highest in the Championship going into the weekend. The goals will come and you have to factor in all the injury problems Michael Carrick has had to deal with, especially at centre-back.
“The deadline day arrival of George Edmundson has already brought more stability to Middlesbrough’s backline while players like Tommy Conway, Ben Doak and Micah Hamilton have given Carrick plenty of attacking options to pick from.
“It’s been a slow start but I’m confident Middlesbrough will start to click soon.”
What is Middlesbrough’s biggest strength
“Middlesbrough’s biggest strength is their ability to hit teams on the counter. We saw this in the Carabao Cup when they tore Leeds United apart. The game ended 3-0 but Boro could have easily scored five or six.
“Ironically, their biggest strength has played a role in their struggles against the likes of Derby County and Preston North End this season.
“The ‘weaker’ Championship sides are more than happy to sit back and soak up pressure, with Middlesbrough often finding it difficult to break them down.
“But as Sunderland are playing well and at home on Saturday, I expect they will be more inclined to press high, which should play into Middlesbrough’s hands.
“In terms of an individual player, Matt Clarke deserves his flowers but Aidan Morris has been a revelation following his summer move from the MLS.
“Barring one mistake on his debut versus Swansea City, Morris has been absolutely brilliant, taking to the Championship with ease.”Barring one mistake on his debut versus Swansea City, Morris has been absolutely brilliant, taking to the Championship with ease.
“His passing ability and tireless work rate make him the perfect player for Carrick and someone Regis Le Bris must find a way to deal with.”
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What is Middlesbrough’s biggest weakness
“Middlesbrough’s biggest weakness this season has been left-back. Carrick insists on his left-sided defender pushing high up the pitch every time there is a chance to attack.
“This forces Clarke to drift out wide and provide cover. A massive gap is then left in the Boro box for teams to exploit, which the likes of Stoke City and Portsmouth have already done this season.”
Sunderland vs Middlesbrough score prediction
“Sunderland are in better form ahead of the game but Middlesbrough’s plethora of attacking options and ability to hit teams on the counter should give them the edge at the Stadium of Light.
“It will be a close game but I’m going 3-2 Boro.”