Sunderland v Middlesbrough preview: David Moyes set for first home game

Sunderland return to the Stadium of Light on Sunday (KO 1.30pm) for their first home game of the 2016-17 Premier League season. Star signing Alvaro Negredo opened his account for the club by finishing a chance produced by fellow summer addition Gaston Ramirez (who completed a permanent move from Southampton after excelling on loan at the club in the second half of last season).

The former Everton and Manchester United boss took over at the Stadium of Light in the summer after Sam Allardyce left for the England job.

Boro drew 1-1 with Stoke City at the Riverside.

Boro, who secured automatic promotion previous year, enjoyed an impressive pre-season going unbeaten with comprehensive wins over York City, Doncaster Rovers and Aston Villa preceding a tight draw with Real Sociedad.

‘Last week was good because some players showed they are better than I thought, ‘ Karanka said. “We all want to play in these type of games, so it’d be great”. Billy Jones isn’t expected to shake off a hip injury, with Fabio Borini a doubt with a toe injury. They look likely to be without the services of experienced centre-back Younes Kaboul after the Wearside club agreed a fee with Watford for the player’s transfer. However, Moyes won’t have the same luxury with Sebastian Larsson, as the creative midfielder is out until early 2017 due to a knee ligament injury.

However, Marten de Roon – another high-profile acquisition – suffered a hamstring injury in the game and is unlikely to feature against Sunderland.

Sunderland are unbeaten in four Premier League games with Middlesbrough (W2 D2), though the most recent meeting was in January 2009.

Moyes has lost just twice to Middlesbrough as a manager in the Premier League (W7 D5).

Speaking on Tuesday, Gooch said: “I haven’t watched Middlesbrough’s game (against Stoke) yet, I’ve just been trying to relax and enjoy the last few days after Saturday”.

‘He’s been training and playing, so it is my decision (about whether to start him) now’.

Aitor Karanka thinks a confident Middlesbrough striker Alvaro Negredo is set for a prolific season in the Premier League.

It’s easy to say that now, but I felt it gave Man City the impetus to attack freely. He is an wonderful player and I hope he is going to be better every game.