Predicted Middlesbrough team vs. Sunderland lineup, with Michael Carrick grappling with a few decisions as he awaits some good news

A look at how we predict Middlesbrough’s starting line-up will look for the clash with Sunderland

Michael Carrick will face a number of selection dilemmas ahead of the Sunderland clash, as he looks to pick the side that will give Middlesbrough the best opportunity of winning the derby and heading into the international break on the back of four straight league wins.

Boro suffered defeat in their visit to Wearside, with the atmosphere on the day seemingly a little too much for them, as they struggled to cope with the intensity of Sunderland that it inspired. Carrick will want his side better prepared for that this time, with the Wearsiders in form heading into this game too.

Boro’s squad has been struck with bouts of illness over the last week or so, while they will be without Lewis O’Brien through injury, while Rav van den Berg is a doubt. With all that in mind, here’s how Gazette Boro writer Craig Johns predicts Carrick’s starting line-up will look.

READ MORE: Michael Carrick on the Wear-Tees derby and how Middlesbrough’s game-management

GK – Seny Dieng – Has had a couple of really good games in recent weeks, more than playing his part in the three straight league wins. He was brought in to be first choice and he is justifying that decision so far.

DR – Tommy Smith – Sunderland wide man Jack Clarke is a man in form. Sunderland have plenty of threats but if Boro allow Clarke to play his game then they will be in for a long afternoon. Smith will have to use all of his experience and nous to try and keep him quiet.

DC – Dael Fry – Last season’s trip to the Stadium of Light was Dael Fry’s first, but it didn’t end up being a happy experience. He was given a controversial red card that Carrick fumed about after and it changed the game for the worst for Boro. He’ll hope for a better experience this time.

DC – Darragh Lenihan – Lenihan has missed the last two through illness but is expected to be available on Saturday having at least made the bench on Tuesday. It’s perhaps a little harsh on Paddy McNair, who hasn’t done an awful lot wrong, but Lenihan is so key to Boro, and his level-headed nature could make him extra important in a game like this.

DL – Lukas Engel – It was a big night for Engel on Tuesday as he provided the assist for Boro’s first goal and then grew into the game from there. Boro will have to hope that it proves a big confidence boost that sees his performances dramatically improve because they don’t appear to have any other obvious options for this game, and Patrick Roberts will no doubt test him defensively.

CM – Jonny Howson – Perhaps harsh on Dan Barlaser who was tidy enough on Tuesday evening as Howson missed out through illness. But if Howson is well enough to play, it seems a no-brainer given his big-game experience, and the form he was starting to hit before illness ruled him out.

CM – Hayden Hackney – The young Boro lad will no doubt be up for this one. He’s been excellent so far this season and with plenty of eyes watching this one, he’ll no doubt want to showcase why everyone on Teesside regard him as such a fine young talent.

RW – Isaiah Jones – Jones is really starting to find his form after the difficulties of last season. His end product can still leave a little to be desired at times, but his pace and trickery are still valuable assets for Boro’s attack, and can help them, particularly on the counter, in a game like this.

AM – Matt Crooks – Another harsh decision of a few dilemmas that Carrick will have for the game. Sam Greenwood showed plenty of promise in midweek and is well up for this game as a boyhood Sunderland fan. But having talked a lot in the build-up about the need for clear heads, Crooks likely just has that extra experience that makes him a safer bet for this one.

LW – Riley McGree – In fine form for Boro right now, McGree scored the goal that divided the two sides in their first meeting last season at the Riverside. He’d love to repeat that, as would Boro fans.

ST – Emmanuel Latte Lath – Another harsh decision given everything Josh Coburn has offered in recent games. But Sunderland’s centre-backs aren’t blessed with pace and Latte Lath, now finding a bit of form having scored two in two appearances, could really expose that, while also forcing Sunderland back a bit through fear of leaving gaps in behind for the Ivorian to run into.