Sunderland face Middlesbrough this weekend.
Sunderland are back at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon where they welcome neighbours Middlesbrough.
Boro make the short trip to Wearside where they’ll look to replicate last season’s unexpected 4-0 scoreline in favour of Michael Carrick’s side.
Sunderland though have started the 2024/25 season in fine form, taking 12 points from a possible 15 following a 3-2 defeat vs Plymouth Argyle last time out.
Regis Le Bris has completely transformed the playing style and despite the loss of Jack Clarke to Ipswich Town, the Black Cats remain a threat.
Romaine Mundle has now scored three in his last three as he continues to shine in Clarke’s absence.
There’s been impressive individual performances across the pitch too, with several summer signings still to come into the first-team picture.
Le Bris may already have a few selection headaches going into the game vs Boro, where we could see some lesser-seen faces given a run out.
One such name could be Tom Watson.
Sunderland gem Tom Watson bound to get game time vs Middlesbrough
Sunderland fans have been waiting patiently for Watson to get his chance in the first-team, as has the player himself.
Now with Clarke gone, Watson looks set to step up into the first-team and take on what was Mundle’s role in the side, and play back-up to Mundle himself.
Watson continues to impress for the U21s at Sunderland. Though on Wednesday night, he was left out of the youngster’s clash vs Borussia Monchengladbach.
Soon after, it was revealed that Watson was left out as he’s been training with the first-team ahead of Middlesbrough, suggesting that Le Bris will finally give Watson his first appearance of the season this weekend.
The 18-year-old has been an unused substitute in the last three Championship games now.
- READ MORE: Middlesbrough test will show Regis Le Bris what ‘unbelievable’ Sunderland man is really made of
Middlesbrough clash could be make or break for Tom Watson at Sunderland
Watson certainly seems to be outgrowing U21s football at Sunderland, and with Premier League interest in Watson, Le Bris and indeed Kristjaan Speakman may be keen for the winger to finally start playing regular Championship football.
And throwing him in against Middlesbrough, no doubt off the bench, would be throwing him in at the deep end.
But it would be a real test of his mettle and of his ability to come in and make his first appearance of the season in a local rivalry, and against good opposition.
Playing at home may make Watson feel a bit more comfortable too, and given his inclusion on the bench in recent weeks, and his recent exclusion from the U21s, it certainly feels like this weekend is the weekend where we’ll see Watson for the first time this season.