Middlesbroughvs.Watford

The hosts have lost each of their last three Championship matches, while the Hornets have taken just one point from their previous five games.

Match preview

Middlesbrough's hopes of securing a playoff berth for the second time in three seasons have been dealt a blow by an underwhelming run of form.

Boro have won just two of their previous 10 Championship outings, while they have lost four of their last five league matches, including each of their last three since beating West Bromwich Albion 2-0 on January 21.

Michael Carrick's side fell to a 2-1 defeat in their away meeting with Preston North End, before they conceded a late goal to lose 3-2 in the Tees-Wear derby against Sunderland.

Two more late goals proved to be their downfall in Tuesday's trip to Bramall Lane, where Delano Burgzorg equalised from the penalty spot to send Middlesbrough into the break on level terms with Sheffield United.

However, Ben Brereton Diaz restored Sheffield United's lead in the 75th minute, before Anel Ahmedhodzic added a third to condemn Middlesbrough to a 3-1 defeat, leaving them in ninth place and three points adrift of the top six.

They have at least some reason to be confident about their chances of beating Watford, having won their last two head-to-head home meetings, including a 3-1 victory in last season's clash at the Riverside.

Watford are sitting two points behind Boro in 12th position after winning one, drawing two and losing seven of their last 10 Championship matches.

Tom Cleverley's side have lost four of their previous five matches since recording a 2-0 away victory against Derby County on January 18.

They lost three consecutive games against Preston North End, Coventry City and Norwich City, before they conceded an 89th-minute equaliser to draw 2-2 in last Saturday's away clash against promotion-chasing Sunderland.

Watford faced another promotion contender in Tuesday's home meeting with leaders Leeds United, and it proved to be a forgettable night for the Hornets, as they conceded three first-half goals in a 4-0 defeat at Vicarage Road.

After suffering a fifth consecutive home defeat, there is no pressure on the Hornets to start picking up wins on the road, having won just three of their 16 Championship away matches this season (D4, L9).

The visitors do have the chance to complete a league double over Saturday's hosts after coming from behind to win 2-1 in October's reverse fixture.

Middlesbrough Championship form:

D

L

W

L

L

L

Middlesbrough form (all competitions):

L

L

W

L

L

L

Watford Championship form:

W

L

L

L

D

L

Team News

Middlesbrough remain without the injured trio of Darragh Lenihan, Jonny Howson and Ben Doak, while it remains to be seen whether Anfernee Dijksteel will be fit to feature in the matchday squad.

Carrick may have to decide whether to star either Samuel Iling Junior or Morgan Whittaker on the right flank, with the latter hoping to earn a recall for Saturday's clash.

Kelechi Iheanacho is set to spearhead the attack for the second game in a row after making his Middlesbrough debut in midweek.

As for the visitors, they are expected to be without Daniel Bachmann, Caleb Wiley, Pierre Dwomoh and Kwadwo Baah due to injury.

Watford's top scorer Vakoun Bayo is set to serve the final game of a three-match suspension after being shown a straight red card against Norwich earlier this month.

Yasser Larouci is pushing for a recall for Saturday's away fixture, while there may also be a starting berth for Rocco Vata.

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:

Travers; Ayling, Edmundson, Van den Berg, Giles; Hackney, Morris; Whittaker, Azaz, Burgzorg; Iheanacho

Watford possible starting lineup:

Selvik; Andrews, Pollock, Abankwah, Larouci; Louza, Dele-Bashiru; Sissoko, Kayembe, Chakvetadze; Vata

We say: Middlesbrough 2-2 Watford

Written by

Ben Sully

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