BBC Newcastle

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett on BBC Newcastle: "Adnan Januzaj is busy. It's important Sunderland get the ball to him."

Jack Beardwell: James (entry 13:01), Middlesborough have got him because his goalscoring record has been patchy of late, but he has PL experience 

Vieira151: I am immensely envious of Negredo's beard. One of the best looking short haired full beards I've seen in yonks.

Image source, PA

A new manager and a derby match, but the Stadium of Light still has plenty of empty seats.

They should be fined for that, like the authorities will do in La Liga from this season.

George andtackem: Bar Hull, Sunderland have had the worst build up to this season, but Man City were lucky we didn't beat them. 

If David Moyes can get Adnan Januzaj playing again, he could be a wonderful signing for Sunderland this season.

The Belgian outpaces Boro full-back George Friend on the outside and gets into the box, but his cross is straight into the hands of Brad Guzan.

Postpublished at 2 mins

2 mins

Sunderland 0-0 Middlesbrough

No messing about from Sunderland defender Papy Djilobodji, as he comes clattering in to the back of Middlesbrough striker Alvaro Negredo.

The former Chelsea defender catches the Spaniard on his ear, but no lasting damage done.

A good way to let your opponent know you are there though.

BBC Newcastle

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett on BBC Newcastle: "The important thing for Sunderland is how quickly the new players settle in. It's important they get an early touch on the ball."

The bosses David Moyes and Aitor Karanka shake hands and share a quick word. Wonder if that was in English or Spanish.

The away side get us under way.

Martin Fisher
MOTD commentator

"There are those who argue that this isn't a real derby, external but with Newcastle out of the Premier League picture, the Wear-Tees match-up surely takes on special significance., external

"It might be a good time for Middlesbrough to make the short journey up the A19. The impending sale of Younes Kaboul to Watford followed a much-needed summer clear-out but, with numerous injuries, David Moyes' squad looks threadbare.

"Then there's Sunderland's unwelcome habit of making poor starts. If Bob Geldof didn't like Mondays then the Black Cats must loathe August. Their last league win in the month came six years ago, a run of 15 games overall.

"I fancy a score-draw but if there are to be winners they will certainly want to claim the title of top-dogs in the North East, while the losers will take solace from looking at the Championship table."

The Apprentice theme tune welcomes the players onto the pitch.

David Moyes and Aitor Karanka will be hoping for a positive result or they will soon be hauled into the boardroom.

The last word before kick-off goes to our Match of the Day man...

The Stadium of Light pitch gets a last sprinkling of water, the Premier League pre-match arch is set up and the mascots with flags have made their way on.

The Middlesbrough fans in the away end are making themselves heard, despite efforts to drown them out by playing Thin Lizzy over the PA system at full blast.

Not long to go until kick-off.

Don't get your hopes up for today's game, Sunderland supporters...

Your team are winless in their past 15 Premier League matches in the month of August, which includes eight draws and seven defeats.

It is no wonder they battle to avoid relegation every May.

A couple of young Sunderland supporters pose for selfies with their new manager David Moyes.

They don't look old enough to remember his time at Manchester United. 

Image source, Reuters

Stephen: Sunderland will soon be Manchesterland XI if Moyes signs any more ex-Utd players.

James Borthwick: How has Negredo ended up at Middlesbrough? Would happily have him supporting Zlatan at United, such a well rounded striker!

Tweet #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only). Don't forget to give your name.

Middlesbrough striker Alvaro Negredo netted in the opening day draw against Stoke and supporters will be hoping he turns out a little bit better than Afonso Alves.

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka: "Victor Valdes felt something during the week, it was not serious but Brad Guzan will play instead. We did not expect anything but we have to be careful with muscle injuries.

"Every single game in the Premier League is a good test. We are playing away in the derby so the main thing is to deal with the atmosphere and play our style.

"We have to think about three points and as a manager I have to manage everything."

Brad Guzan is the only player out warming up at the Stadium of Light at the moment.

The Middlesbrough goalkeeper gets a start instead of Victor Valdes, so let the manager explain why...

Sunderland hand a debut to defender Papy Djilobodji, while Paddy McNair and Adnan Januzaj make their first starts. Out go Everton target Lamine Kone, who has reportedly been told to stay away by David Moyes, Younes Kaboul, who has joined Watford, and Fabio Borini.

Image source, #bbcfootball

Middlesbrough also make three changes. Goalkeeper Victor Valdes drops out of the squad, with no confirmation why yet, and Brad Guzan makes his debut in his place. Also in are Adam Forshaw and Cristhian Stuani. Out go Marten de Roon, who is injured, and Albert Adomah.

Image source, #bbcfootball

Will David Moyes win as Sunderland boss in his first home game in charge? Can Middlesbrough maintain their unbeaten start?

Play our predictor game to guess the result of the match