Match Preview :

Interestingly, the Wear-Tees foes have not faced each other in just more than three years following Middlesbrough's relegation from the Premier League.

But with the FA Cup, Sunderland gets to renew their rivalry with their neighbour at The Stadium of Light for this lunchtime kickoff.

For the record, their last meeting ended in a 1-1 draw at The Riverside, but Sunderland in 2008 won 2-0 in their most recent game at the Stadium of Light.

And we need to go back a long time for Middlesbrough's last derby win over their weekend hosts which came almost six years to the day, having won 3-0 at Sunderland on 31st January 2006.

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill will be aware of the significance of the match and the manager will want a repeat of the same type of performance which saw them beat Swansea in the Premiership. That win lifted the Black Cats into the top half of the Premier League.

Meanwhile Middlesbrough make the short trip having suffered a shock defeat at lowly Coventry, which dented their hopes of automatic promotion from the Championship.

Team News :

Sunderland Team News :
Sunderland, who eliminated Peterborough in the third round, will be without striker Nicklas Bendtner after the Denmark international suffered a broken nose and other facial injuries during the victory over Swansea.

The good news is that striker Fraizer Campbell is in contention after another appearance for the reserves on his return from a second serious knee injury.

Midfielder Jack Colback was expected to resume training on Friday following his recovery from an ankle problem.

Middlesbrough Team News :
Middlesbrough's options will be limited by suspension, as they will have to do without Kevin Thomson and former Sunderland midfielder Julio Arca for this match. The pair were sent off during the defeat at Coventry, while goalkeeper Jason Steeleremains a doubt with a thigh strain.

Danny Coyne shook off a calf problem to play at the Ricoh Arena, with teenager Connor Ripley on standby as cover.

Meanwhile, Striker Bart Ogbeche will miss out once again with the hamstring strain which has kept him out of the last two games.

Nicky Bailey is the only name on the long-term casualty list. He is thought to be out for up to eight weeks after suffering from medial ligament damage.

Predictions

Middlesbrough will be the underdogs here, but taking into account the derby factor as well as the FA Cup which produces the best in some teams, I'll go for Middlesbrough to give it a go and get the draw in this match and accept the 3/4 ball AH.

The Pick :

Sunderland 1-1 Middlesbrough

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Being a derby and the FA Cup a draw is on the cards here.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Go for Middlesbrough to hold the Black cats and accept the 3/4 ball as many would expect an easy win for Sunderland here.