Middlesbrough meet West Bromwich Albion in a huge Sky Bet Championship showdown.
Victory would see Boro stay top for another matchweek, whilst West Brom can go top if win by at least a three-goal margin.
Team News
Dael Frey is still ruled out for Middlesbrough after he missed their 2-2 draw at Preston due to a calf injury.
Seny Dieng (Achilles), Alex Bangura (hamstring) and Riley McGree (muscle) remain ruled out.
West Brom could welcome summer signing, Krystian Bielik into the matchday squad following his recovery from a muscle injury.
Alex Williams (ankle), Karlan Grant (quad), Tammer Bany (hamstring) and Daryl Dike (thigh) remain ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Middlesbrough host West Brom on Friday 19 September at 8pm BST, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Middlesbrough have lost just two of their last six meetings against West Brom (W3, D1, L2).
- West Brom have won just one of their last seven visits to Middlesbrough (W1, D2, L4).
- Boro have scored four goals in their last three matches without reply (W3).
- Middlesbrough have won their two league matches at home this season by 1-0 results (W2).
- West Brom have won just two of their last six away games in the Championship (W2, D1, L3).
Prediction
Having twice battled from behind to snatch a decent draw at Preston after a lacklustre first half where they were outclassed in possession, Middlesbrough now need to bring that second-half intensity across from Deepdale and try to apply it consistently across 90 minutes.
West Brom meanwhile dominated Derby but just lacked that crucial final touch unlike the Rams so I expect them to be eager to produced a slightly more polished display, although they don’t have the best away record in recent visits to Boro.
I however do foresee a close battle because Boro are yet to concede at home but West Brom will be keen to keep the league leaders within sight to boost their own promotion ambitions, so a draw might be a safe call.
Prediction: Middlesbrough 1-1 WBA
Result: Middlesbrough 2-1 WBA
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