Michael Carrick’s side have started to turn around their early season misfortunes having won three straight games in the Championship following Tuesday’s success over Cardiff City.
The Black Cats, too, are in good form with Tony Mowbray’s side fourth in the table ahead of October’s international break.
Boro have been struggling with illness throughout their squad recently which may impact Carrick’s team selection as we predict our starting XI on Wearside:
1. Seny Dieng
Dieng kept his first clean sheet for Boro in the midweek win over Cardiff City. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster
2. Tommy Smith
Smith may get the nod at full-back with question marks over Rav van den Berg's fitness ahead of the trip to the Stadium of Light. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
3. Dael Fry
Fry has been a regular in defence for Boro this season after agreeing a new contract at the Riverside this summer. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Burstow
4. Darragh Lenihan
Lenihan is one of the players who has been struggling with illness but could return to the defence against Sunderland. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood