Predicted Middlesbrough team vs Sunderland with a few changes pondered for the Wear-Tees derby

Middlesbrough's Tommy Conway (right) celebrates scoring
-Credit: (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)


Middlesbrough travel to Sunderland this weekend for the Wear-Tees derby, with Michael Carrick looking to uphold Boro's positive record in the fixture.

Boro have lost only one of the last nine meetings between the two sides, and with both sides enjoying solid starts to the new season, this promises to be an intriguing clash. For Boro boss Carrick, there will be multiple tough selection calls to make after last weekend's draw with Preston North End.

As both Rav van den Berg and Jonny Howson push to be fit for the game, the Boro head coach has options for almost every position on the pitch and there are numerous changes he could make for the game. Predicting one change though, here's our predicted Boro team versus Sunderland.

READ MORE: Van den Berg, Howson, Engel and more - Middlesbrough injury round-up for Sunderland trip

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GK - Seny Dieng - Dieng is well established as Boro's number one and that won't change for such a big game where his experience and nerve could be key. Boro would have won both games against Sunderland last season were it not for a Tom Glover error at the Riverside that gifted the visitors an equaliser.

DR - Luke Ayling - A big game ahead for the experienced defender who will be up against the in-form Romaine Mundle. A tricky player who will want to cut in on his right foot to create goalscoring opportunities, Ayling will have to be fully concentrated for the full 90 minutes.

DC - George Edmundson - One change that could occur would see Rav van den Berg returning to the side at the expense of Edmundson, with the Dutchman pushing to play having missed the last three. Edmundson did well in his debut vs Preston, however, so it seems likely that, at best, Van den Berg returns to the bench and is eased back.

DC - Matt Clarke - Clarke is joint-top scorer for Boro with two goals so far this season and had one cleared off the line against Preston, too. There's potential that Boro could hurt a young Sunderland side from attacking set-pieces too. While adding that threat to his game is a real bonus, his defending continues to be where he thrives.

DL - Neto Borges - A slightly more difficult outing for Borges last time out, this time is likely to see him come up against former Boro loanee Patrick Roberts, who has also started the season well. Borges will hope he can add more of an attacking threat to his game, while forming the understandings with team-mates to ensure it's not as costly when caught out as it proved against Preston. If Boro were to decide to be a little more defensive at Sunderland, Borges has already proven he can do that in his excellent debut at Cardiff.

CM - Aidan Morris - With Morris arriving back from the USA late last week he lost his place to Dan Barlaser for Preston but his absence was felt. In a game where Boro can't afford to be bypassed so easily in the midfield, Morris' energy and aggression could be vital.

CM - Hayden Hackney - That also applies to Hackney too, who Boro will need to be at his best in a game that he is likely highly motivated for as a local boy who knows how much this game means to fans. Sunderland tend to play with a midfield three, albeit a youthful one with no Alan Browne. Hackney and Morris may need a little support, but they have the quality to win that key battle in the middle of the park.

RW - Isaiah Jones - Marcus Forss is back in training but not quite ready to start, while Ben Doak is, but is still settling at his new club. With that in mind, Jones will be tipped to keep his place in the side, but the closer Doak gets, the more Jones needs a big performance. His pace can be an asset on the counter and he scored in this fixture last term.

AM - Tommy Conway - With Sunderland playing a three-man midfield, that could prompt Carrick to switch his midfield up to offer more support. But Conway and Latte Lath worked well together early on against Preston and the Boro boss is likely to hope the pair can cause problems for Sunderland with their pressing and pace running in behind.

LW - Finn Azaz - If it is Conway that starts, the left-wing role could be a key pick for Carrick, with that being a role most likely to be expected to drop a little deeper and narrower when required to support the midfield. Patience is being urged with Micah Hamilton while Riley McGree is yet ti play a minute since returning from injury. And with that in mind, Azaz is likely to retain his place where, like Jones, it feels like he needs a big performance.

ST - Emmanuel Latte Lath - The Ivorian has not scored since his opening weekend penalty against Swansea City, but this would be an opportune time to seal the deadline day drama firmly to history with a big goal or two against Sunderland. His pace and press at the top of the pitch could be vital too.