Sunderland vs. Middlesbrough Preview: Latest Team News, Predicted Lineups, and Match Prediction

Sunderland

Sunderland will be looking to continue their impressive start to the season when they host Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. The Black Cats have won four of their opening five league fixtures and are currently top of the League One table. Tony Mowbray's side will be confident of getting a result against Middlesbrough, who have only won one of their last five games. However, the visitors will be boosted by the return of several key players, including Paddy McNair and Anfernee Dijksteel.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Patterson; Wright, Batth, Cirkin, Alese; Evans, Neil; Pritchard, Clarke, Roberts; Stewart.

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Rotherham United last weekend. The Teessiders have had a mixed start to the season, winning two, drawing one, and losing two of their opening five fixtures. Chris Wilder's side will be without the suspended Isaiah Jones for the trip to the Stadium of Light. However, the visitors will be boosted by the return of Marcus Tavernier, who has been out with a knee injury.

Predicted Lineup (3-5-2): Daniels; Dijksteel, McNair, Fry; Lenihan, Giles, Howson, Crooks, Tavernier; Connolly, Watmore.

Match Prediction

This is a tough match to call, but Sunderland will be confident of getting a result at home. The Black Cats have been in impressive form this season and will be looking to continue their climb up the League One table. Middlesbrough will be no pushovers, however, and will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Rotherham United. The visitors have some quality players in their ranks and will be confident of causing Sunderland problems. Overall, I think Sunderland will just edge this one. The Black Cats are in good form and will be buoyed by the home crowd.

Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Middlesbrough.