Rights restrictions prevent us from being able to stream commentary of this lunchtime's game here on BBC Sport.

But, if you're on Teesside or Wearside and by your radio you can tune to either BBC Tees or BBC Newcastle to hear full match commentary from the Riverside.

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Both teams have hit the lush green turf of the Riverside Stadium. It's Boro's fans you can hear roaring out Pigbag.

Nearly time to go...

Image source, Rex Features

So who is the right man to take charge of Sunderland and lift them off the foot of the table?

Billy McKinlay and Robbie Stockdale are steering the ship today.

Is it time for someone untested to have a go or should the Black Cats go back to a more familiar face?

Have your say on Twitter and use #bbcefl and we'll share the suggestions throughout the game.

Image source, Getty Images

While Sunderland skittered about for bargains this summer following their demotion from the Premier League, Middlesbrough were shopping at Harrods* by comparison.

Big cash was splashed to sign free-scoring striker Britt Assombalonga from Nottingham Forest, Martin Braithwaite arrived from Toulouse and Ashley Fletcher from West Ham.

The man appointed to guide Boro back to their top flight was Garry Monk. Progressive, hungry, young. The right appointment?

There have been doubts this term, particularly after a six-game run without a win in all competitions but back-to-back victories have restored some timely belief.

*Other luxury retailers are available...

Image source, Getty Images

Robbie Stockdale is no stranger to Teesside, having grown up in Redcar and played 91 games for Middlesbrough after coming through the academy system.

He and former Watford boss Billy McKinlay have the responsibility of picking up the reins from Simon Grayson following his midweek dismissal.

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland come into this derby without a permanent manager, without a win in 12 games and without a league win against Middlesbrough since September 2008.

Even owner Ellis Short admits the Wearsiders are a "club in crisis" after last season's relegation and subsequent struggle under recently sacked boss Grayson.

"The frustration goes beyond having just been relegated," American Short told Sunderland's official website., external

"We've obviously got a bit of a crisis to solve right now and when things are going this poorly lots of things become issues - maybe things which shouldn't be."

Simon Grayson's tenure at Sunderland came to an abrupt end on Wednesday night, before the dust had even settled on the 3-3 draw with Bolton Wanderers.

Results cost him, just one win in 15 league games for a man who had previously tackled big challenges at Leeds United and Huddersfield.

His exit with Sunderland bottom of the table before kick-off was a sad end to a disappointing stint.

Image source, pa

Unfortunately for Sunderland, their managerial chopping and changing has been the main reason for their presence in news bulletins, on website and the backs of national newspapers this past week...

Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk has opted not to risk full-back Fabio from the start after his recovery from an ankle knock against Hull on Tuesday, so the Brazilian is among the substitutes. George Friend takes his place in the only change.

Sunderland make three changes from the 3-3 draw against Bolton that ultimately cost Simon Grayson his job.

Lee Cattermole, Paddy McNair and Billy Jones come into the starting line-up.

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Image source, Getty Images

With Newcastle now lording it in the Premier League, these two proud football hotbeds have to make do with battling out the north east's 'other' derby.

Middlesbrough and Sunderland. Tees and Wear.

Separated by 39 miles of the A19. Defined by industrial heritage, graft and pride. Their rivalry continues in the Championship this afternoon.