This weekend we welcome our neighbours from Boro to the Stadium of Light to sample the delights of some fresh air and of course the football.
It`s the first derby game of the season and both teams will be after early bragging rights.
Sunderland are without Kenwyne Jones
However Michael Chopra returns after completing his suspension
The young winger is our top scorer and has impressed me so far this season I for one hope he can continue his current form against Boro
Former Sunderland favourite Julio Arca is due to return to the Boro team after playing for the reserves earlier in the week.
Boro will be without Williams, Sanli and Shawky.
The Egyptian is on a hot streak of goal scoring form hopefully that will end this weekend.
In our last 6 league meetings with Boro on Wearside we have Won 2, Lost 3 and Drew 1.
Last time in the league at the Stadium of Light we won 3-2 Darryl Murphy scored the winner in the five goal thriller with other goals coming from Chops and Danny Higginbotham.
Howard Webb
1-1 Draw
Sunderland V Northampton
The League Cup
19:45 Tuesday 23 September 2008