Sunderland have only won two out of 14 home north east derbies in the Premier League. However Boro hardly have a sterling record when they travel to their neighbours either. They have only won four out of 19 away north east derbies, but three of those victories have come in the last four trips to the Stadium of Light.

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Both team picked up their first win of their 2008/09 campaign and so are naturally looking to build on this momentum. But if the history books are anything to go by it’s going to be Manchester City who are doing any constructing. City have won the last six Premier League games against Sunderland, the last four by a one-goal margin.

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Another start to season and another case of all mouth and no trousers for Tottenham. Their defeat to Middlesbrough completes their hat trick of consecutive opening day defeats. However, Robert Huth’s injury time own goal did save Spurs from a hat trick of consecutive opening day games without scoring!

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It turned out to be a pretty successful season for Roy Keane and his Black Cats last time around. A 15th place finish may not sound all that impressive on paper but it certainly put to bed a few Premier League demons. And with minds more at eased, Sunderland can now concentrate on establishing themselves within the top flight.

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The Black Cats are reported to have bid £5million for United’s on loan centre-half Jonny Evans after 2 successful spells at the Stadium of Light. The 20-year-old played an important role in Sunderland’s Premier League survival but his fee seems particularly high for a youngster who’s made just 3 first team appearances for the Red Devils. There is no doubting the players ability but should Roy Keane be aiming for a higher calibre of player now the Black Cats have cemented a place in the top flight and is the reported fee far too high?

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With news that Mathieu Flamini is set for pastures new with the strong possibility of Alexander Hleb following in the near future another cup less season appears more and more costly for Arsenal. So can the Gunners continue the current good spell, end the season on a semi-high and show those thinking of jumping ship there’s more to come from the Gunners?

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If you’d asked me three weeks ago if I saw any light at the end of Bolton’s very dismal tunnel, it would have a resounding “No”. Although the light remains just a glimmer, I now think Bolton will live to fight another season.

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The Black Cats face another North-East derby this weekend as they entertain Middlesbrough in the Tees-Wear derby. They’ll be hoping for a better result than the disappointing 2-0 defeat at St James’ but will be facing a Boro side who’ll be looking to bounce back from a shock 1-0 home defeat to Bolton. This should be one of the most difficult matches to predict for Premier 10 players this week though it may be worth noting that Sunderland possess an appalling recent home record against Boro.

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It’s been 11 years since Special K competed in a Tyne-Wear derby and if he still possesses any of his old luck in this fixture then Roy Keane’s Sunderland could be in trouble. Newcastle were unbeaten against the Black Cats in Kevin Keegan’s first reign in charge. His record reads played 5, won 4 and drew 1. Each of his four wins came by a 1-goal margin and on current form this should be another closely contested Premier 10 encounter.

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Premier League safety looks assured for the Black Cats after 3 successive wins and now North-East bragging rights are on the agenda with just 2 points separating them from their black and white neighbours. The visit of a meandering Manchester City side who look for all purposes to be already packing for their summer holidays should see another 3 points for the home side at the Stadium of Light. Perhaps the Citizens will bump into the Tottenham squad who packed up and flew away to sunnier climes it seems several weeks ago.

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