Sunderland vs Middlesbrough Predictions

• At least three goals have been scored in three of Sunderland’s  last four Championship matches
• At least three goals have been scored in three of the last four meetings of these teams at the Stadium of Light
• Romaine Mundle has scored in each of his only three Championship starts for Sunderland

Black Cats were prone to errors at Plymouth

The points could be shared when Sunderland host Middlesbrough in the Tees-Wear derby on Sunday, but there probably won’t be a shortage of goals.

The Black Cats split five with Plymouth last weekend as Wayne Rooney’s men ended their unbeaten start to the season with a 3-2 win in Devon. Sunderland can look sensational in attack, but still seem prone to mistakes at the back with both goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and centre-back Dan Ballard culpable on the south coast.

Ballard is probably out of this fixture after leaving Home Park in a protective boot while midfielder Alan Browne could also be missing for Regis Le Bris’ side.

Stats suggest Boro should be scoring more goals

As for Boro, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Preston last weekend and now lie down in 10th place in the table, four points behind Sunderland. Michael Carrick’s side remain a work in progress, but they have the strength in midfield to potentially control the game on Saturday with Hayden Hackney among the best players in the Championship.

Where you cannot yet rely on Boro is up front and that is borne out by the fact that they have the best expected goals in the division through five games (9.6), yet have only scored six goals. That is in sharp contrast to Sunderland, who have scored 12 from an xG of 7.9.

If Boro’s forwards find their scoring touch they can potentially win this contest, but more proof of their finishing ability is probably needed before taking that bet. Back over 2.5 goals instead because Sunderland can exploit the space that Boro may leave if they push forward in search of a winner.