Middlesbrough succumbed to just their third defeat under Chris Wilder, when they took on Bristol City at the weekend.
Middlesbrough created several chances but couldn’t make their pressure count, with Bristol City coming away with all three points after a 2-1 win.
The result leaves Boro in seventh place, but a win would take them above Sheffield United into sixth if the Blades drop points. They would also move above Paul Heckingbottom’s side with a draw, but only if Sheffield United lose by two or more goals at the hands of Blackburn.
Wilder’s side need to bounce back to have any chance of breaking into the play-off spots, and he could make changes after the defeat last time out.
Middlesbrough team news
Striker Andraz Sporar is back in contention after sitting out the Bristol City game through illness. He has trained this week and will be part of the squad in midweek against West Brom.
Top scorer Matt Crooks will miss out however. After picking up his 10th yellow card of the season at Ashton Gate, he is suspended for Tuesday night’s clash.
Elsewhere, long-term absentees Marc Bola, Darnell Fisher and Sammy Ameobi, as well as Martin Payero, who is nursing an ankle injury, won’t feature.
Predicted Middlesbrough XI
GK – Joe Lumley
RWB – Isaiah Jones
CB – Anfernee Dijksteel
CB – Dael Fry
CB – Paddy McNair
LWB – Neil Taylor
CM – Jonny Howson
CM – Riley McGree
CM – Marcus Tavernier
ST – Andraz Sporar
ST – Duncan Watmore
Middlesbrough struggled in front of goal against Bristol City and so we predict the front two will be replaced.
Aaron Connolly and Folarin Balogun will drop out in place of Sporar and Watmore, whilst McGree will come in for the suspended Crooks.
Although the back five looks to be settled as things stand, there could also be rotation at the back.
Taylor could be rested with Lee Peltier coming in, as could Dijksteel, with Sol Bamba and Grant Hall in contention if the Dutchman misses out.