Middlesbrough have a huge meeting with bitter rivals Sunderland to prepare for this week. Boro’s 2024/25 season has not exactly got off to the start Michael Carrick would have been hoping for. Middlesbrough drew 1-1 with Preston North End over the weekend, leaving them 10th in the Championship table after five games. In comparison, Sunderland, despite their recent loss to Plymouth Argyle, are second in the division heading into the weekend’s meeting. Carrick has watched his men drop points to several ‘weak’ sides already this term, including Derby County and Portsmouth. Should Middlesbrough fa…
