Boro Can Claim Local Bragging Rights

The newly promoted sides are fairing well. Remarkably, Hull sit joint top of the league after back-to-back victories while Burnley beat Liverpool 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.

Next it’s the turn of a Middlesbrough side who had the best defence of the lot in last season’s Championship. At best odds of 21/10 they are well capable of taking three points at the Stadium of Light.

Aitor Karanka was delighted with most of what he saw last weekend and his side were unlucky to only take a point off Stoke. Negredo scored on his debut while Ramirez was the man of the match.

While Sunderland fought gamely at the Etihad, they have big problems heading into Sunday. Both centre backs who played against Man City, Kone and Kaboul, are likely to be missing. Add Cattermole, possibly Borini and a few others to that list and David Moyes has his work cut out.