David Moyes has named his starting XI ahead of his first game in charge at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats boss will hand home debuts to new boys Donald Love, Adnan Januzaj and Paddy McNair with Papy Djiliobodji also set for his first-ever start for Sunderland.
John O’Shea captains the side, with youngster Lynden Gooch making his first Premier League start at the Stadium of Light.
Fabio Borini misses out this afternoon due to injury as Jermain Defoe spearheads the attack once again, after becoming the third quickest Sunderland player to score 20 Premier League goals after his second half strike at Manchester City last weekend.
New signing Steven Pienaar is on the bench.
Sunderland: Mannone, van Aanholt, Djiliobodji, O’Shea (c), McNair, Love, Rodwell, Gooch, Watmore, Januzaj, Defoe.
Subs: Pickford, Khazri, Lens, Pienaar, Asoro, T Robson, J Robson
Middlesbrough: Guzan, Nsue, Barragan, Gibson, Friend, Clayton, Forshaw, Stuani, Ramirez, Downing, Negredo.
Subs: Dimi, Ayala, Baptiste, De Sart, Adomah, Fischer, Nugent.