Sunderland manager David Moyes shakes hands with team captain John O'Shea after their game versus Manchester City. (Photo : Getty Images)
Sunderland AFC (0-1-0, 0 points) will look to score its first victory of the 2016-2017 Premier League season as the team hosts newly-promoted side Middlesbrough FC (0-0-1, 1 point) at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, August 21.
The Black Cats lost their season-opener last Saturday to title-favorites Manchester City, 1-2, at the Etihad Stadium as defender Paddy McNair sank an own goal with three minutes left before full time, as per The Guardian.
City forward Sergio Agüero netted the opening goal of the contest right at the fourth minute via a penalty kick after Sunderland defender Patrick van Aanholt fouled Raheem Sterling in the midfield.
Head coach David Moyes' side tried to fight the Citizen's continuous attacks as the hosts controlled ball possession throughout the match. The visitors finally found the equalizer at the 71st with a goal from striker Jermain Defoe.
However, the celebration was short-lived as McNair, who just signed from Manchester United last week, struck an own goal in his Black Cats debut, which also gave former Red Devils manager Moyes his first official English top flight loss with Sunderland.
Moyes was appointed Sunderland manager in late July to replace Sam Allardyce and is currently rumored to be looking to upgrade his attacking options before the summer transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Meanwhile, comebacking Premier League side Middlesbrough held Stoke City to a 1-1 draw at their own Riverside Stadium last Saturday, SkySports reported.
The Boro failed to complete a win in their English top flight return after being relegated for seven years when Potters midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri canceled out striker Alvaro Negredo's opener during the match.
Negredo, who was sent on loan to Boro from Valencia in July, broke the game's deadlock at the 11th minute via a close-range header to give the early lead to head coach Aitor Karanka's side.
Middlesbrough almost doubled their lead before halftime, but Uruguayan midfielder Gaston Ramirez's shot clanged off the goal post to the relief of Stoke City goalie Shay Given.
The Potters eventually found the equalizer at the 67th with a free kick by Shaqiri to salvage the draw.
The predicted result is a 1-0 win for Sunderland.
Sunderland starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Mannone; Love, Koné, Kaboul, van Aanholt; Rodwell, O'Shea; Watmore, Borini, Gooch; Defoe
Middlesbrough starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Valdes; Nsue, Barragan, Gibson, Friend; Clayton, de Roon; Adomah, Ramirez, Downing; Negredo
