The Tees-Wear derby returns to the Riverside Stadium on Monday evening as Middlesbrough take on Sunderland in a high-stakes Championship clash kicking off at 8 PM UK time. Both teams are locked in fierce battles for promotion, with Sunderland sitting fourth and Middlesbrough seventh in the table. This local rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity, making it one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.
Interesting Fact: Despite their current positions, Sunderland hold a psychological edge over Middlesbrough, having won the reverse fixture 1-0 back in September thanks to Chris Rigg’s goal.
Middlesbrough have had a mixed start to 2025, losing three out of six matches across all competitions. However, they did secure a morale-boosting 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in their last home game, ending a five-week drought without a victory at the Riverside Stadium. Manager Michael Carrick’s side boasts the third-highest scoring record in the league (47 goals), but inconsistency has hindered their push for automatic promotion. With local pride on the line, Boro will be desperate to bounce back from their recent setbacks.
Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland are flying high in fourth place, just three points behind second-placed Sheffield United. Their strong defensive record (conceding only 24 goals) combined with a potent attack (42 goals scored) makes them formidable opponents. Although their away form has dipped slightly recently, winning just two of their last nine league matches on the road, they remain one of the most consistent teams in the Championship. A win here would not only strengthen their promotion hopes but also deal a blow to their rivals’ playoff ambitions.
The head-to-head record between these two sides reflects their fierce rivalry, though Sunderland currently hold the upper hand. In their last meeting, played at the Stadium of Light in September, Chris Rigg netted the only goal to secure a narrow 1-0 victory for the Black Cats. Historically, matches between Middlesbrough and Sunderland tend to be tightly contested, often decided by fine margins.
Sunderland’s superior defensive organisation and clinical finishing may give them the edge in this encounter, but Middlesbrough’s attacking prowess cannot be underestimated.
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Middlesbrough 1-1 Sunderland
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This promises to be a hard-fought derby with both teams desperate for the three points. While Sunderland’s defence is likely to keep Middlesbrough at bay, the hosts’ attacking flair could see them find the net. Ultimately, we expect a closely contested draw, reflecting the quality and determination of both sides.
Sunderland have conceded just 24 goals in 29 Championship matches this season—the fourth-lowest tally in the division. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough have scored 47 goals, the third-highest total. This clash of strengths sets up an intriguing battle between attack and defence.
Travers; Giles, van den Berg, Fry, Ayling; Hackney, Morris; Doak, Azaz, Whittaker; Forss
Patterson; Cirkin, O’Nien, Mepham, Hume; Le Fee, Neil, Bellingham; Rigg, Mayenda, Isidor
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