There is more than derby pride at stake for Acklam when they host Billingham tomorrow.
Unless second from bottom Acklam win, they face likely relegation to Durham and Northumberland Two.
With the two teams immediately above them, West Hartlepool TDSOB and Hartlepool, meeting each other, an Acklam defeat will leave them with a near impossible task to avoid the drop.
Steven Taylor switches to centre and Ian Dixon is recalled to the open side as Acklam seek only their third win of a tough campaign.
There is nothing other than derby pride at stake for Billingham, whose skipper Chris Ker is likely to continue his rehabilitation from a long term injury.
Middlesbrough, second from bottom of North Division One, have a 'must win' home game against bottom club Sheffield.
The two teams immediately above Boro meet, so if Boro lose they are virtually doomed to relegation.
However victory will mean they have to all to play for in their remaining four games.
Neil Baggett will switch to fly half, as Neil Richardson is not fit to return, while Andrew Micklewright partners Lee Richardson in the centre.
Micklewright's place on the wing will be taken by Ross McNeil while Simon Moore is fit to return at full-back.
Peter Wright continues at scrum half after suffering no reaction on his return a fortnight ago after a long injury lay-off.
Boro have battled hard to keep in touch with the teams above them, but can't afford any more hard luck stories.
Redcar have been forced to make several changes for the important trip to Sandal.
The home side are just two points behind Redcar and have a much superior points difference, so if Redcar lose they will drop to third from bottom of North 2 East.
Forwards Glen Teely and Mark Poulsen are unavailable, so Graeme Evans moves to open side, with Neil Cook reverting to No 8.
In the backs, Steve Bryce starts at fly half, with Mathew Storey unavailable due to illness.
Sandal will be keen to avenge the defeat they suffered at Redcar, though the Seasiders will be looking for the win that could move them above Stockton.
Stockton, who are happy with their recent improved form, travel to second from bottom Morpeth, in a game they need to win to pull away from the bottom five.
After missing last week's friendly game against Old Brodleans, flanker Brett Wildridge returns, as does fly half Jeremy Good.
And Stockton are hoping that full back Andy Bare will also have recovered from his injured back, to be fit for the testing encounter.
Yarm could slip to second from bottom of Durham and Northumberland 2 if they lose at second placed North Shields.
Guisborough, still needing a win be be totally safe from relegation, visit leaders Gateshead.
SUNDAY'S Teesside Barbarians tsunami tussle takes place at the Friarage, Hartlepool at 2pm on Sunday, when a Hartlepool & District XV face a Teesside side picked by Bob Deans, the radio voice of Teesside rugby over the last 35 years.
The Teesside Barbarians have gone from strength to strength since the concept was dreamed up at Stockton.
Skipper Alan Brown said: "We will be going to play attacking rugby and won't be looking to kick the ball at all. We want to entertain."
