LILLE, FRANCE - JANUARY 14: FC Lorient coach Regis Le Bris speaks to the media during the post-match press conference following the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Lille OSC (LOSC) and FC Lorient at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Decathlon Arena on January 14, 2024 in Villeneuve-d'Ascq near Lille, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Sunderland vs Middlesbrough: How to Watch Team News Predictions and More.
Everything you need to know ahead of Sunderland vs Middlesbrough, including team news, how to watch, predictions and more.
How to watch Sunderland vs Middlesbrough
Sunderland will take on Middlesbrough on Saturday as they hope to return to winning ways.
The Black Cats have traditionally had a poor record against their local rivals and have only won one in their last 10 in all competitions against Boro.
However, given the relative form of his side, Le Bris will be hoping to finally overcome this record on the weekend.
Kick-off for the tie is at 12:30, with the fixture being moved for Sky Sports coverage. The game can be found live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports HDR.
Sunderland set to be without Alan Browne for Middlesbrough clash.
Ahead of the upcoming match, the Sunderland manager previewed the tie in a press conference on Thursday.
Here, Le Bris discussed a host of topics, including the debate on whether Sunderland vs Middlesbrough is a derby.
Another area of discussion was the team news. Sunderland already had five first-teamers injured prior to the Plymouth game, however, there were fears that this has now increased.
Dan Ballard picked up a knock against the Pilgrims, however, Le Bris has since played down fears that the injury is serious.
On top of this, Alan Browne was seen in a knee brace this week. While he will not be fit for the Boro clash, Le Bris has confirmed that he will only be out for a week.
You can read the full team news update and our predicted XI for Sunderland vs Middlesbrough here.
Sunderland vs Middlesbrough scoreline prediction
Dan Neil of Sunderland dribbles with the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Sunderland at Riverside Stadium on Fe…
Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images
Given the form of the Black Cats, many might tip Le Bris’ side to be the favourites at the Stadium of Light.
In comparison, Middlesbrough have had a mixed start to the campaign, sitting 10th after two wins, two draws and one defeat.
Ahead of the match, EFL pundit Sam Parkin has attempted to predict the scoreline as he believes it will be a close game.
While he does believe there will be goals, he cannot see a winner as he predicted a 1-1 draw.
You can read why Parkin predicted a 1-1 draw in Sunderland vs Middlesbrough here.
