The Wear-Tees rivalry renews on Saturday at the Stadium of Light in the Championship as Sunderland face Middlesbrough.
The Black Cats under Le Beis have won four and lost one of their opening five league games and currently sit second in the league behind West Brom.
The Teessiders, who are managed by Michael Carrick, are currently 10th in the division following last weekend’s draw against Preston North End at the Riverside Stadium.
Ahead of the game and for a little bit of fun, we take a look at a combined XI of Sunderland and Middlesbrough players, plus bench and head coach pick!
5. CB: Dan Ballard
The former Arsenal man is arguably one of the best centre-backs in the Championship when fully fit and firing and gets the nod over George Edmundson. | Dan Ballard by Chris Fryatt Photo: Dan Ballard by Chris Fryatt
6. CM: Hayden Hackney
Like Dan Neil, Hayden Hackney has emerged as a tremendous young Championship midfielder and is well worthy of his pot in this combined XI. | Getty Images
7. CM: Dan Neil
Sunderland's team captain is picked on our combined XI after a decent start to his third Championship season, a red card against Burnley not withstanding. | Ian Horrocks
8. LW: Riley McGree
The attacking midfielder often drifts over from the left for Middlesbrough and just gets in front of Romaine Mundle owing to his Championship experience. Photo: Nick Potts