Sunderland under-18s face a Wear-Tees derby this weekend as they look to clinch their first victory in the U18 Premier League this season.
Here's your all you need to know guide...
Date: Saturday 27 August 2016
Time: 11am
Location: Rockliffe Park
Competition: U18 Premier League
Middlesbrough: W-D
Middlesbrough have enjoyed a steady start to the 2016-17 U18 Premier League campaign. Following an opening day victory at Stoke City, Boro returned to Rockliffe Park and played out a competitive draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With four points from two games, Boro sit fourth on goal difference, two points behind league-leaders Liverpool.
Sunderland: L-L
Elliott Dickman’s side have endured a challenging start to the new season and so far suffered two defeats in as many fixtures. An opening day defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers was then followed by a disappointing return to Wearside as the lads were downed 4-1 against Stoke City.
But the under-18s coach has remained calm and is hopeful his young guns can turn their fortunes around on Teesside this weekend.
The Last five...
Feb 28 2016 – Middlesbrough U18 1-0 Sunderland U18
Feb 19 2016 – Sunderland U18 2-3 Middlesbrough U18
Aug 15 2016 – Middlesbrough U18 0-4 Sunderland U18
Jan 24 2016 – Sunderland U18 1-5 Middlesbrough U18
Oct 04 2016 – Middlesbrough U18 3-2 Sunderland U18
Focus: Adam Bale
The youth team skipper will undoubtedly play an integral role if Sunderland are to turn their fortunes around at Middlesbrough this weekend. Following a tough start; leadership, commitment and determination on the pitch will be key and Bale holds all those qualities.
