Middlesbrough meet Watford in a huge battle between two Championship play-off-chasing contenders.
Victory could see Boro climb as high as sixth depending on results elsewhere, whilst Watford can leapfrog their ninth-placed hosts with a win.
Team News
Anfernee Dijksteel could return for Middlesbrough after he wasn’t risked in their midweek 3-1 loss at Sheffield United, following his return to training following a recent knock.
Sol Brynn (shoulder), Seny Dieng, Jonny Howson, Riley McGree (all knock), Ben Doak (thigh), Alex Bangura (Achilles) and Darragh Lenihan (fitness/Achilles) are still sidelined.
Watford expect to have Mamadou Doumbia and Tom Dele-Bashiru available after the pair suffered minor hamstring injuries in their 4-0 home loss to Leeds.
Daniel Bachmann (ankle), Vakoun Bayo (suspension), Kwadwo Baah, Pierre Dwomoh (both thigh) and Caleb Wiley (fitness) remain sidelined.
When is Kick-Off?
Middlesbrough meet Watford at Riverside Stadium on Saturday 15 February at 3pm GMT, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Middlesbrough have won three of their last five meetings against Watford (W3, L2).
- Watford have won one of their last six league visits to Middlesbrough (W1, D3, L2).
- Victory would see Boro claim three consecutive home wins over Watford for the first time in this fixture.
- Boro have won one of their three league games at home in 2025 (W1, D1, L1).
- Watford have claimed five points in their last five away games in the Championship (W1, D2, L2).
Prediction
Currently locked in a fierce battle for one of the last two play-off spots, Middlesbrough need to put their midweek loss at Sheffield Utd behind them and quickly reset because they can’t afford any more slip-ups now in defence and be more clinical up top.
Watford though aren’t in the brightest form themselves and were absolutely battered by a dominant Leeds on Tuesday evening despite a valiant fighting effort, so they too must refocus and try to get back on the winning road if want to put themselves back firmly in the play-off hunt.
Victory is therefore imperative for both teams which could make for a nervy opening phase but if Boro can just cut out the defensive silliness, they could well scrape a morale-boosting win.
Prediction: Middlesbrough 1-0 Watford
Result: Middlesbrough 0-1 Watford
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