Middlesbrough look to continue their recent rival this evening when they play another of their games in hand away to Blackburn Rovers tonight. Rovers themselves head into this on the back of a much-needed victory against MK Dons this weekend. We have covered all bases ahead of the clash in our match preview.
A win for Aitor Karanka’s men would take them back to the top of the Championship table for a couple of days at least, until Hull get the chance to reclaim that spot away to Birmingham City on Thursday. Another win for Blackburn would take them 11 points away from the relegation zone.
Blackburn Rovers Team News:
Paul Lambert has two doubts over two players that started the MK Dons game on Saturday. Ben Marshall has impressed at right back in recent times and is struggling after being forced off at the weekend. The same situation befalls that of Corry Evans, who limped off early into the second half of the 3-2 victory. Both will be assessed, and both face a race against the clock to start. Adam Henley and Matt Grimes remain on standby.
Danny Guthrie, Nathan Delfouneso, Jason Lowe and Lee Williamson continue to miss out through injury.
Expected Blackburn Rovers starting XI: Steele, Henley, Duffy, Hanley, Spurr, Gomez, Lenihan, Grimes, Bennett, Brown, Graham.
Middlesbrough Team News:
Boro welcome back Adam Clayton after he served a two-match ban after collecting ten yellow cards. He is highly likely to slot straight back into the midfield, a position he has made his own this season. Aitor Karanka hinted them he may rest Grand Leadbitter, who is also a booking away from a two-game ban. However this is a big game and he’ll also want to play his strongest team. Adam Forshaw should drop to the bench.
George Friend was rested to the bench for the Fulham game after he made his comeback from injury the game before. He is clearly the first-choice left back and can be expected to start ahead of Richie De Laet, who would count himself as very unfortunate to lost him place. Daniel Ayala continues to miss out, so Ben Gibson and Dael Fry should continue at centre back.
The big question mark is if Jordan Rhodes will be handed a start on his first return to Ewood Park. David Nugent certainly impressed at Craven Cottage at the weekend so may retain his place. In his pre-match press conference, Karanka cleverly hinted that Rhodes ‘only needs a minute’ to score a goal, suggesting he may appear from the bench.
Expected Middlesbrough starting XI: Konstantopoulos, Nsue, Fry, Gibson, Friend, Clayton, Leadbitter, Adomah, Ramirez, Downing, Nugent.
Interesting Facts:
Blackburn have won their last two home matches in the league, they have failed to win three home league games in a row since November 2014.
Middlesbrough have the best away record in the Championship, picking up 28 points. They have lost one of their last eight away matches, winning five of those.
The last four head-to-head meetings have all ended in draws. Since 2001, Middlesbrough have only won three times at Ewood Park, whilst Blackburn have won four home meetings since 2003.
Out of 17 meetings against teams in the top half this season, Blackburn have won two of those; against Preston North End and Ipswich Town. Against top six sides, out of a possible 27 points, Blackburn have collected just four points.
Prediction:
This is one of those games where it could easily be quite scrappy and anything but pretty. It is all about the result, but there are certainly signs that Middlesbrough are finding top form once again. Having won their last two, they can be fancied to steal a 1-0 away victory tonight. Blackburn have won their last two home games however, so don’t discount them. Let us know your thoughts in our poll below!
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