Sunderland take on Middlesbrough in a North-East derby in the Championship on Saturday.

Here are all the details you need to know about the game…


WHERE IS THE GAME TAKING PLACE?

The first derby game of the season will be staged at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland hosting their neighbours from down the A19.

Middlesbrough have enjoyed the better of the derby encounters on Wearside on recent seasons, with the Teessiders having lost just one of their last six away matches against Sunderland.

Last season’s game was a one-side affair, with Boro running out 4-0 winners, although the match changed markedly when Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil was sent off on the stroke of half-time. Boro’s second-half goals were scored by Sam Greenwood, Matt Crooks, Isaiah Jones and Marcus Forss.


WHAT TIME IS KICK-OFF?

Saturday’s game in a lunchtime encounter, kicking off at 12.30pm.


ARE TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE?

Sunderland supporters can still buy tickets for Saturday’s game via the ticketing section of the club’s official website, but they must have a membership number or previous purchasing history.

Middlesbrough’s away allocation is sold out, with the Teessiders set to be roared on by a travelling contingent of 2,239 away supporters.


IS THE GAME BEING TELEVISED OR STREAMED LIVE?

Yes – Saturday’s Wear-Tees derby game is being televised live by Sky Sports on the Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football channels.

With the game being televised live, there is no domestic streaming option available for supporters.

Radio commentary for the match will be available on both BBC Radio Newcastle and BBC Radio Tees, and The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson and Dominic Shaw will be at the Stadium of Light providing live coverage of the game on The Northern Echo website as well as a report, reaction, ratings and post-match analysis.


WHAT IS SUNDERLAND’S LIKELY LINE-UP?

Sunderland have been boosted by the news that Dan Ballard is available to play after the defender suffered an injury scare at Plymouth last week.

Regis Le Bris has confirmed Ballard is available to feature against Boro.

But Alan Browne is set to miss out with a knee problem.

Browne's  knee was in a protective brace when he appeared at a supporters’ event at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening. Browne said the protection was a precautionary measure as he waited for test results - and Le Bris expects to have the former Preston man back for next week's trip to Watford.

Summer signing Salis Abdul Samed is also unavailable because of an injury issue, while Ahmed Abdullahi is set to be sidelined for around three months after undergoing groin surgery.

Sunderland (probable, 4-3-3): Patterson; Hume, O’Nien, Ballard, Cirkin, Rigg, Neil, Bellingham; Roberts, Mayenda, Mundle.


HOW ARE MIDDLESBROUGH SHAPING UP?

Michael Carrick will be assessing the fitness of Rav van den Berg and Jonny Howson in the build-up to the game.

It was hoped that both players would be available immediately after the international break, but their ongoing injury issues mean they were not part of the squad that drew 1-1 with Preston last weekend.

Riley McGree was an unused substitute in that game after completing his own recovery from injury, and is pushing for a starting spot. Marcus Forss is back in training, and could be considered for a place on the bench on Saturday, but Dael Fry and Darragh Lenihan remain injury absentees and are not expected to be available to face Sunderland.

Aidan Morris was on the bench against Preston after returning from international duty in the United States. The midfielder is expected to return to the starting side at the weekend in place of Dan Barlaser.

Middlesbrough (probable, 4-2-3-1): Dieng; Ayling, Edmundson, Clarke, Borges; Morris, Hackney; Jones, Conway, Azaz; Latte Lath.