Boro welcome the return of Alen Boksic and Szilard Nemeth into the squad that has performed well to-date but not reaped the returns that their hard work has deserved. There could also be a place for Tony Vidmar who signed a one year deal yesterday.
The Mackems will bring new 'cast-off' signings Tore Andre Flo and Marcus Stewart hoping to bolster the worst forward line in the league last season, but they could be without Jason McAteer, who missed training yesterday.
This seasons form would suggest a draw, with Boro unbeaten at home and the Mackems unbeaten on their travels. With Sunderland having the tightest defence in the league, so far, and Boro not far behind 0-0 would not be a bad bet.
But we can't settle for that in the first North East derby of the season, so 2-0 to Boro like last season, would be my prediction from the heart.