Sunderland vs Middlesbrough Prediction and Betting Tips | 21st September, 2024

Sunderland take on Middlesbrough on matchday six of the EFL Championship on Saturday. The hosts are one of two sides - apart from leaders West Bromwich Albion - to win four of their opening five games, while Boro have won twice.

Regis le Bris' Sunderland saw their four-game winning start to their league campaign snapped last week in a 3-2 loss at Plymouth Argyle. Patrick Roberts opened the scoring from the spot in the first half before Romaine Mundle's 86th-minute strike seemed set to keep alive the Black Cats' unbeaten start.

However, Joe Edwards' winner in the third minute of stoppage time saw Sunderland return home empty-handed, also ceding top spot to West Brom.

Meanwhile, Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough have had a quieter start to their campaign, drawing 1-1 at home to Preston in their last outing. Tommy Comway's 16th-minute opener was canceled out by Mads Frokjaer-Jensen on the cusp of halftime as a stalemate ensued.

Boro are 10th in the points table, with eight points from five games, having won just once in their last four outings.

On that note, here's a look at the head-to-head and key numbers, match prediction, and betting tips for the Sunderland-Middlesbrough Championship contest at the Stadium of Light.

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Sunderland vs Middlesbrough head-to-head and key numbers

• In 153 meetings across competitions, Sunderland lead Middlesbrough 62-52, with their last meeting - at the Riverside in the Championship in August - ending 1-1.
• The Black Cats have just one win in their last 10 clashes with Middlesbrough.
• Sunderland have two wins in their last five home games, losing twice.
• Middlesbrough have won thrice in their last five road outings, losing once.
• Form guide (last five games across competitions, most recent result first): Sunderland: L-W-W-W-L; Middlesbrough: D-W-L-D-L

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Sunderland vs Middlesbrough prediction

Sunderland have had a better start to their Championship campaign than Middlesbrough despite both sides failing to win in their previous outing in the competition.

While the Black Cats have flown out the blocks, their recent head-to-head record against Boro inspires little confidence. Moreover, Sunderland haven't won three straight league games at home since April 2022.

Meanwhile, Boro have lost once in eight away league games. However, considering the Black Cats' rousing start to the season, we expect them to return to winning ways.

Prediction: Sunderland 2-0 Middlesbrough

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Sunderland vs Middlesbrough betting tips

Tip-1: Sunderland to win

Tip-2: Sunderland to keep a clean sheet: Yes (They haven't conceded twice in their last four games across competitions.)

Tip-3: Over 1.5 goals: Yes (Five of their last six meetings have had at least two goals.)