Middlesbrough will entertain Leeds United at the Riverside Stadium on Friday night at the back of a dramatic 3-3 draw versus Sunderland in their last encounter in the league. They have fallen off the pace in recent weeks and are now an outside shout to secure a playoff spot at the end of the season.
The Peacocks are just three points behind the Boro in the league table and can go level on points with their North Yorkshire rivals if they can secure a victory tomorrow night. Meanwhile, Tony Pulis’ side can jump up to sixth place with a victory over their West Yorkshire rivals which makes this Yorkshire derby a crucial one.
The recent history of the fixture makes a grim reading for the home team as the Peacocks have won three of their last five encounters with Middlesbrough. It is expected that both teams will opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation which makes it a fascinating tactical battle.
Team News
Middlesbrough
The Boro will be without the services of Adama Traore after he was sent off in their last league outing away at the Stadium of Light versus Sunderland. Other than that, there are no fresh injury concerns or suspensions for the home team.
Leeds United
Samuel Saiz will once again be in line to start for the Peacocks after his recent six-match suspension for spitting on an opponent. Paul Heckingbottom might name an unchanged side for this clash with no new injuries to cope with.
Predicted Lineups
Middlesbrough
Randolph, Shotton, Ayala, Gibson, Friend, Besic, Leadbitter, Harrison, Downing, Bamford, Assombalonga
Leeds United
Wiedwald, Berardi, Jansson, Cooper, Anita, Phillips, O’Kane, Dallas, Saiz Alonso, Alioski, Lasogga
Key Men
Middlesbrough
Patrick Bamford will once again be a key member of the Boro team after he scored a brace of goals in their last league outing against Sunderland last weekend. Stewart Downing will also be expected to put in a good shift and create chances for his teammates to feed on.
Leeds United
Pierre-Michel Lasogga is expected to lead the lines for Leeds United up top. The German forward has been in good form this season and will look to add to his goal tally of 10 goals in 22 matches in the Skybet Championship when he laces up to face the Boro defence on Friday. Samuel Saiz will also be an integral member of the Peacocks and would look to put in a strong performance versus the Boro tomorrow night.
Odds:
Middlesbrough win: 5/6
Draw: 13/5
Leeds United win: 21/5
