The fact that we are only in the second round of Premier League fixtures will have no bearing on the feistiness of this North East derby. The last time these two faced each other in the Premier League was in 2008 and it was a 2-0 win for the Black Cats.
Sunderland replaced one pragmatic manager, Sam Allardyce, with another one in David Moyes. The Scotsman’s first match may have ended in defeat at oil-rich Manchester City but they will feel they should have taken a draw as Pep Guardiola’s side had to rely on a Paddy McNair own goal to secure the three points.
Previous manager Sam Allardyce managed to install a good spine in the squad which should see the Black Cats survive this season. The focal point of their side is of course Jermain Defoe. Having the former England international in their side means Sunderland have a chance of winning any game if they can keep it tight at the back.
Moyes experienced a few Merseyside derbies in his time so is no stranger to the atmosphere that these games present.
Aitor Karanka finally achieved his promotion dream with Middlesbrough last season after three years of trying. They have seemingly prepared well this season, making good use of the transfer market – the signings of former Spanish internationals Victor Valdes and Alvaro Negredo particularly stand out.
The Teesiders will have been pleased to have avoided defeat in their Premier League opener against Stoke last weekend and will also be encouraged by the fact it took only 11 minutes for former Manchester City striker Negredo to get back into the Premier League groove. However, perhaps that sort of game at home is one Middlesbrough should be winning all three points from.
I would back Sunderland for this game at 41/25. Home advantage is huge in these kind of matches whilst Moyes has the greater experience of these situations.
Jermain Defoe is an obvious goalscorer to back at 19/10 – one of the finest poachers the Premier League has ever seen.
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