Mark Drury
BBC Tees commentator

The longer it remains goalless, the more the nerves start to jangle.

There are moments of promise that quickly dissipate.

It has been a game of 'what if' so far.

Matt Newsum
BBC Sport at the Riverside

Both bosses again are in waxwork dummy mode in their technical areas but their minds must be whizzing with thoughts as to how this game is playing out.

Middlesbrough look slightly sharper and crisper with their passing, notably from up here where you can see the movement is also more sprightly, with Finn Azaz and Hayden Hackney picking up space and Sam Greenwood constantly getting behind the back-four.

Sunderland look to Jack Clarke consistently, and although he's not been allowed too much room to roam when he has he's caused problems. Abdoullah Ba another menace, but well policed largely.

The atmosphere is a little muted, punctuated mainly by roars of derision at the match officials for another decision the respective sections of support find fault with.

Image source, Rex Features

Luke Ayling decides to have a crack from the edge of the box but bends it over the angle of post and bar.

Boro are well on top at the moment but still aren't making Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson work enough.

Gary Bennett
Ex-Sunderland defender on BBC Radio Newcastle

Sam Greenwood has been a little bit unlucky for Middlesbrough so far.

His runs have been just offside. They are going to get one of those runs right.

Boro midfielder Dan Barlaser is playing simple balls. It is too easy to cut through Sunderland. He is pulling the strings.

They need to get hold of this game.

It's been a slow start to the second half, with the hosts patiently looking to unlock the visitors.

Sam Greenwood is again flagged offside as he bursts clear through the middle. He went just a fraction early.

Nick Barnes
BBC Newcastle's Sunderland commentator

Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah is looking full of energy in the second half.

Oh, he has just passed the ball out.

A bit too much energy!

Neil Maddison
Former Middlesbrough midfielder on BBC Tees

It is an opportunity, Luke Ayling had got into an area.

He swings his left foot at it. He hits it with his toe. He doesn't quite connect.

It took a deflection, Trai Hume got a block on it, and the chance was gone.

Boro defender Luke Ayling almost goes all the way.

He drives forward down the right and a one-two with Marcus Forss who plays him into a a shooting position inside the box.

But his left-foot effort lacks power and it's blocked by Trai Hume

Mark Drury
BBC Tees commentator

The floodlights have just burst into life here.

It is a brighter second half beneath us.

It is a decent game, but one where both teams look like they are in need of a centre-forward.

The brew has been made and partially drunk, and now it's time for the second half.

It's also time to wheel out a cliche - in a match this tight, the first goal could be crucial.

Who's going to snatch it? A draw would be of little value to either side.

No changes from either manager yet.

Gary Bennett
Ex-Sunderland defender on BBC Radio Newcastle

I have been looking at the programme and Sunderland's new left-back Leo Hjelde is not even on there.

Such a fresh signing.

Mark Drury
BBC Tees commentator

We didn't think that there would be much between these two sides.

It has been very even.

The first half has produced 16 attempts at goal, Sunderland edging that stat nine to seven.

But Boro keeper Tom Glover has been by far the busier of the two, with the Black Cats having four chances on target to one from the hosts.

Neil Maddison
Former Middlesbrough midfielder on BBC Tees

I have quite enjoyed the game, it has been entertaining.

At 0-0, it is all to play for.

I thought that in the first fifteen minutes, Middlesbrough were on top, but Sunderland have had little spells.

Their strength is in the wide areas. Both will be looking at the final third and thinking they should have done better.

It's goalless but I'm not sure how.

Both sides have carved out some decent openings and the game has ticked along at a fair old lick.

Abdoullah Ba had the best of them, poking his close-range shot straight at Boro defender Rav van den Berg, while Finn Azaz fired over for the hosts when well placed.

Time for a breather.

Neil Maddison
Former Middlesbrough midfielder on BBC Tees

It is a pretty even game in terms of possession and in terms of chances created.

Both teams have had a little bit of joy going forward. Both should have scored.

That is the area where Middlesbrough should improve the ball and the quality of pass just to try and give you that opportunity.

The centre-halves, Rav van den Berg and Dael Fry, have been excellent so far.

One minute to be added at the end of the first half. It's flown by.

Matt Newsum
BBC Sport at the Riverside

There's a sloppiness at times in this game, whether it's errant passing or lazy tackling.

It has made for an open game which obviously results in chances at both ends, which neither side has been able to take.

Whoever sorts the detail out, the little fine margins, should take this game.

But, the longer it continues like this, the sense of frustration within the crowd - which has reared its head on a couple of occasions after a misplaced ball - will only grow.

Mark Drury
BBC Tees commentator

What about that goal-line clearance from Rav van den Berg?

Jack Clarke was toying with Middlesbrough defenders.

Dangerous moments for Boro. The home fans are urging their team on.

What a passage of play we have just had.

Jonny Howson gives the ball away to Dan Neil and Middlesbrough almost pay.

Jack Clarke plays the ball across the six-yard box to Abdoullah Ba who has the goal at his mercy.

But his close-range shot is somehow straight at Rav van den Berg on the line.

Should have been a goal all day long.