Speaking about the M69 derby which kicks off at 12.30pm to the CT, Boothroyd said: "I am looking forward to it.
"It is bragging rights and I think there have been draws in the last couple of years and it would be nice to turn those into wins, as it would any draw.
"I think it is going to be a really tough game. "They are no mugs at all and want to build on what they achieved last year and I am exactly the same in wanting to improve on what we did.
"They got into the play-offs last season and they have got some good players so it will be a good test for us.
"But we are at home and we have started OK and we have got to make sure we go out and win the game.
"Sunderland won the league from where Leicester are at the moment a few years ago so it is very early days. "They have got a new manager just like we have and he's finding his feet and getting to know the club and his players - what he wants to change and what needs enhancing.
"I am looking at us and between us we both want to finish as high as we can at the end of the season.
"I know what my aspirations are and Paulo has said he wants promotion within two years and that's good.
"I like that because I like people who are bold and you have just got to back it up then."
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