A struggling Middlesbrough side will take on Premier League hopefuls Leeds United in the matchday 35 clash in the Championship at the Riverside Stadium on Wednesday night.
The home side will come into the match extremely low on confidence as they have not registered a win in their last eight matches in the league competition, which has included four defeats and four draws for Boro.
Such poor run of form has left Middlesbrough in 21st position of the league table with just 37 points after 35 matches, three clear of the relegation zone.
Therefore, Boro manager Jonathan Woodgate will be desperate to see his players turn up and produce an unlikely positive result against an opponent who are placed in second place and looking to secure promotion this term.
On the team news front, as per BBC Sport, Middlesbrough will be without Dael Fry, Daniel Ayala and Patrick Roberts.
Boro’s recent record against Leeds is an average one, where they’ve only managed to win six times compared to 12 defeats in 27 meetings.
In the last meeting between the teams, Middlesbrough were heavily beaten 4-0 at Elland Road in November.
Escaping relegation
Middlesbrough fans have had precious little to cheer about this season and the team will need to be at their best to get anything from a game against promotion-chasing Leeds.
The Boro hierarchy have opted to stay loyal to Woodgate and give him more time, but the side has looked low in confidence in recent weeks.
With Luton Town pulling off a surprise win over Brentford on Tuesday night, Middlesbrough are right in the relegation mix and need to improve their results imminently to avoid a drop to League One.
