Derby County v Middlesbrough
Any of these teams can sit top of the Championship, come the end of the night. Derby have failed to find their prolific form they are capable of, and Middlesbrough will surely be a test for the home team at the iPro Stadium.
TEAM NEWS
Derby hope to welcome George Thorne back into the team, as he undergoes a late fitness test due to a thigh strain. Midfield duo Omar Mascarell (foot) and John Eustace (knee) are missing for the Rams, as are strikers Chris Martin and Darren Bent who both miss out due to hamstring injuries.
For Boro’, two defenders Daniel Ayala and Ryan Fredericks are both doubtful but not rules out with hamstring injuries.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
In the reverse fixture, Middlesbrough won 2-0 at the Riverside Stadium in December.
Middlesbrough have won the last two meetings.
Derby
Derby have not won any of their last 4 games, while losing 2. They have won 5 of their last 7 home games in all competitions, drawing 1 and losing 1. They sit 4th going into this game.
Middlesbrough have won 3 of their last 5 games, losing 2. They have also lost 3 of their last 4 away games. They are 3rd going into the game.
