Middlesbrough go into the Tees-Wear derby looking for the kind of statement result that could define their season.
Boro slipped to seventh following the weekend's results, ahead of welcoming Sunderland to the Riverside.
An indifferent run of two wins from eight games either side of Christmas has left Michael Carrick's team looking over their shoulders rather than up.
And former Boro midfielder Neil Maddison recognises how pivotal this fixture could be.
"This is a huge game. With the players we have brought in this month, this could be the catalyst," he told BBC Sport.