Sunderland under-18s face their second match with Boro in the space of five days when they travel to Rockliffe Park on Saturday.
Here’s your all you need to know guide ahead of this weekend…
LAST TIME OUT
Sunderland secured a hard-earned draw against local rivals Middlesbrough despite being reduced to 10 men at the Academy of Light. Boro opened the scoring after 29 minutes in unusual fashion as Bilall Brahimi’s scored direct from a corner to halt the hosts’ early momentum. The Black Cats clawed their way back into the game and earned a point thanks to Sam Greenwood’s 25-yard rocket. Jordan Hickey then saw red for a second yellow card with five minutes to go.
HOW THINGS STAND
A point apiece on Tuesday has left Sunderland still with high hopes of a late surge into fourth. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, will be looking to extend the gap on themselves and 11th place Wolverhampton Wanderers to as much as eight points. The Black Cats currently lie in mid-table, four off Manchester City and Derby County who occupy the fourth and fifth berths. Unbeaten in their previous three matches, including an impressive victory over Liverpool last Saturday, there is plenty of reason to be optimistic.
MARK ATKINSON SAYS
MA: “The performances have been positive over the last four games. We have had to play in different ways and the lads have shown a good versatility. They have adapted to the games and that’s been pleasing. They have shown a lot of character over the last four or five games, they have shown grit and resilience and that’s what’s been really pleasing. We have shown a bit of character to go unbeaten recently."
CAN I WATCH?
The game will be played at Rockliffe Park, kick-off 11am.