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.

"We're in a good position, but sides are creeping up behind us and we have to find some form."

One thing that has troubled Middlesbrough all season is consistency. Only leaders Leeds United and Norwich City have scored more goals than Boro's 47, but their 36 goals is at least seven more than any of the sides above them.

Their best run was three straight wins in November when they scored 15 goals in beating QPR, Luton Town and Oxford United, but that is one of only two spells when they have recorded successive victories.

For Maddison, the Boro summariser at every game for BBC Radio Tees, and for the fans, the team's hot-and-cold tendency has been a massive source of frustration.

"On our day when we click, we're a very good side," he said. "We're a joy to watch when we get it right.

"But there is not enough consistency. With the top teams in this league, you know the type of results and performances they are going to get. You don't get that with us."

Following a disappointing defeat at Portsmouth a fortnight ago, Boro bounced back with an impressive win over fellow play-off challengers West Bromwich Albion.

But rather than kick on, they slipped up again at Preston North End, despite the backing of over 5,000 fans from Teesside.

And that lack of consistency from game to game has Maddison, himself a promotion winner at the club under Bryan Robson in 1997-98 in a team that also included Paul Gascoigne and Paul Merson, questioning the side's resolve when things get tough.

"I'd like to see a few more leaders in the team, but they're a dying breed in the game, no matter the level you're at," he said

"That's what Boro are missing. It's that element of someone on the pitch, encouraging, organising, making sure we do the right things when things get a bit tough."

Boro reached the play-offs two years ago under Carrick, only to lose to Coventry City in the semi-final.

They finished eighth last year, but the head coach has again been backed with the January arrivals of Ryan Giles, George Edmundson, Morgan Whittaker and Mark Travers to add to proven Championship performers like Finn Azaz and Tommy Conway as well as on-loan Liverpool winger Ben Doak.

Chairman Steve Gibson has once again done his bit and now it's down to the players to produce.

"Two seasons ago we had such a good side with Chuba Akpom, Cameron Archer, watching us, you knew we'd win games," said Maddison.

"We're not as good as that yet, but we've got the potential and we've brought in some really good players.

"Now it's about delivering, and the fans will want to see us beat Sunderland."