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!
9. RW: Patrick Roberts
The right winger has started the season in superb form for Sunderland after a slow campaign during 2023-24. | Getty Images
10. CAM: Jobe Bellingham
Jobe Bellingham is one of the most promising young players in the Championship and has started the season extremely well. Photo: Stu Forster
11. ST: Emmanuel Latte Lath
The striker makes the team ahead of Eliezer Mayenda owing to his 18 goals for Middlesbrough last season. | Richard Sellers/PA Wire Photo: Richard Sellers/PA Wire
12. SUB: Seny Dieng
The Middlesbrough goalkeeper was unlucky to miss out on a starting spot in our combined XI. | Getty Images