Sunderland welcome Middlesbrough in the Championship this weekend.
Just 30 miles separate Sunderland and Middlesbrough, with the latter making the journey on Saturday afternoon.
The Black Cats welcome Michael Carrick’s side to the Stadium of Light for what should be an exciting Championship cash in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
There’s a lot to dissect ahead of the game; Sunderland’s defeat vs Plymouth Argyle last weekend being a main topic.
One talking point that’s been doing the rounds on social media is whether or not Sunderland v Middlesbrough is classed as a ‘derby match’.
The topic has split opinion on social media, even among Sunderland supporters, whilst the majority of Boro supporters seem to believe that it is a derby match.
Last season, Middlesbrough won 4-0 at Sunderland in what was a truly forgettable outing for the Black Cats.
But Sunderland sit in 2nd place of the Championship table going into this weekend, and so they’ll hope for a much-improved result this time round.
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Regis Le Bris makes Newcastle United claim as he discusses Sunderland v Middlesbrough ‘derby’
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Le Bris was asked about the debate over the Sunderland v Middlesbrough ‘derby’.
And the Frenchman gave an interesting answer, and one that Sunderland fans may warm to.
Le Bris said: “The most important derby to my knowledge is Newcastle [United].
“Middlesbrough is an interesting fixture but I am not sure if it is a specific derby.”
Sunderland played Newcastle United for the first time in eight years earlier this year, with Michael Beale leading the team out on Wearside in the FA Cup.
Newcastle won the game 3-0.
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Middlesbrough pose a different threat for Regis Le Bris and Sunderland
During these early stages of the season, under a new manager, each game is going to be his toughest yet.
But having come off the back of a defeat, now going up against a Boro side who could well be a sleeping giant in the Championship, this certainly feels like a tough game.
And with there being an element of local rivalry involved, it could add to the atmosphere and intensity of the game on Saturday.
Boro fans will no doubt travel in numbers and try to make themselves heard on Saturday.
But a packed out Stadium of Light will always work in Sunderland’s favour, and a win here would be a huge a achievement or Le Bris.