M'boro v Sunderland preview

Schwarzer knows that clean-sheets are crucial

Mark Schwarzer's recipe for Premiership survival is based on simple mathematics.

The Middlesbrough keeper goes into battle with derby rivals Sunderland knowing that his side's fate lies very much in their own hands.

"We haven't set ourselves a points target at all, we're just taking each game as it comes and making sure that we do better than the teams below us," he said.

"That's the bottom line. The season is in our hands. Survival is all down to ourselves.

If you can keep a clean sheet, you're not going to lose the match, and that's the first priority

  Mark Schwarzer

Boro have lost just two of the 14 Premiership games they have played since coach Terry Venables took over the reins from manager Bryan Robson.

However, they must improve their form at the Riverside Stadium.

"We've had a very difficult season playing at home for whatever reason," admitted Schwarzer.

"Hopefully, against Sunderland, we can start the ball rolling again, especially at this crucial stage of the season.

"If you can keep a clean sheet, you're not going to lose the match, and that's the first priority," he said.

Boro will be without suspended duo Paul Ince and Ugo Ehiogu.

Sunderland may welcome back the mighty Quinn

Defender Curtis Fleming, who returned from international duty with the Republic of Ireland having damaged a toe, is expected to be fit.

So is midfielder Phil Stamp, who is recovering from a twisted ankle.

But, defenders Colin Cooper and Keith O'Neill are bigger doubts.

Cooper badly bruised a hip in the 2-1 defeat at Chelsea last weekend and is struggling to shake off the problem, while O'Neill has a groin injury.

Sunderland, meanwhile, are hoping to revitalise their faltering European hopes in this Tees-Wear derby.

Peter Reid's men have won just once in their last eight games - and a season that promised so much is in danger of ending as it did last season, with no European place.

However, despite a meagre return of six points from those eight games, Reid has faith in his players.

"Over the last couple of months the players have been absolutely magnificent," he said.

Personally speaking I hope Boro stay up - but Monday will be a different ball game. We're desperate for points

  Peter Reid

"We've had a few disappointing results but their attitude overall has been fantastic.

Sunderland are targeting a double over their local rivals, having beaten Boro in December at the Stadium of Light courtesy of Michael Gray's goal.

And Reid expects another closely-fought game against a side he hopes will preserve their Premiership status.

"Personally speaking I hope Boro stay up - but Monday will be a different ball game. We're desperate for points but they are too."

He hopes Republic of Ireland international striker Niall Quinn will be fit to return after being sidelined for a month by a back injury.

"Obviously we'll wait until Monday but he's looked a lot stronger this week, it's the strongest he's looked for a long time," Reid said.

One player who will not figure is Alex Rae.

The Scottish midfielder has not played since early February because of a knee injury but is set to return to training early next week.