Middlesbrough vs Sunderland Predictions

• Middlesbrough have had three stalemates in their last four home games
• Three of Sunderland’s last four outings have been all square after 90 minutes
• Boro are on a run of four draws in nine across all competitions and venues

Will Boro respond?

Middlesbrough had a disappointing afternoon last weekend, as they were beaten 2-1 by Preston, wasting a glut of chances in the process.

They are now boosted by the signing of Morgan Whittaker from Plymouth, and he adds much-needed firepower to a side who have drawn three of their last four games at the Riverside Stadium.

Indeed, it is now four stalemates in nine for Michael Carrick’s side, who have also let a lead slip three times in their last seven fixtuers.

Hope for the visitors

That could serve as a good omen for Sunderland, who themselves have had two draws in their last three fixtures; a 0-0 stalemate at Burnley and a home clash with Plymouth that ended 2-2.

The Black Cats are therefore seeing their promotion push stumble a little bit, while they are out of the FA Cup after a 2-1 reversal to Stoke, although that match was all square at 1-1 after 90 minutes.

They, too, are struggling to put games to bed, and of their last four away fixtures, only one has ended in victory, with two being tied.

I predict that this game will be a draw, with 1-1 my correct score prediction.