Sunderland vs Middlesbrough Predictions

Tip Reasoning

• Over 2.5 goals has been a winner in seven of Middlesbrough’s last eight games
• Both teams have scored in 67% of Middlesbrough games this season
• There have been over 2.5 goals in 62% of Sunderland’s home league games this season

Competitive at last

In recent years, this Tees-Wear Derby has been very one-sided, with Sunderland failing to beat their opponents since an FA Cup game in 2012, but the resurgent Black Cats side of 2022/23 look every bit capable of bringing the game to their opponents. Middlesbrough have been in excellent form too this season and currently reside in the playoff spots, so they will be equally, fi not more confident of a victory in the derby.

The added competitive nature of any rivalry means Sunderland, although the weaker side on paper, will be massively up for this game and could well pull off somewhat of a shock result, with a prediction of a 2-2 draw looking favourable.

Both teams to score again

Both teams to score has been a winning tip in 67% of Middlesbrough games this season, while it has also been a winner in 62% of Sunderland’s home fixtures. A prediction for both teams to score again is made even more likely by both teams being determined to get one over on their local rivals, and so there should be plenty of goals on show at The Stadium of Light.

Chuba Akpom amongst the goals

Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom looks like he has finally hit the form tipped of him while in Arsenal’s academy, with the London-born forward having scored 13 goals in 20 games so far this season, making him the league’s top scorer. He could be set to add at least one more goal to his tally this weekend.