Preview: Swansea City vs. Middlesbrough - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the visitors sit seven points adrift of second position, Swansea are all the way down in 17th spot in the Championship standings.

Match preview

Middlesbrough have recently benefitted from Sheffield United losing three of their last five matches in the Championship, providing them with encouragement in the race for second place.

Nevertheless, Boro's 2-0 reverse at West Bromwich Albion on February 25 and the Blades' narrow win over Reading in midweek leaves Michael Carrick's side as outsiders once again.

That said, the former England international will remain confident that his side can keep the pressure on their rivals, particularly having returned to winning ways with the 5-0 demolition of Reading last weekend.

The North-East outfit have now posted six wins from seven matches, yet Carrick knows that his team's away form must improve in the long run if they wish to remain as challengers for automatic promotion.

Boro have lost three of their last seven fixtures on their travels, something which will leave Swansea feeling optimistic about getting back on track.

That is despite the Welsh outfit having won just three of their last 19 matches in the second tier, effectively ending any faint hopes of making a late challenge for the playoffs.

Those aspirations remained alive heading into last weekend's fixture at Luton Town, but the fifth-placed outfit were able to post a 1-0 victory at Kenilworth Road.

Russell Martin's team now face two more tough contests against the clubs sitting in third and seventh spot respectively, the level of difficulty potentially being enough to keep Martin in a job even if his side prolong their winless streak to six games.

However, Swansea are currently on a downward trajectory, and only victories and a more united front in the transfer market during the summer may be enough to keep Martin at the club.

Swansea City Championship form:

L

W

L

L

D

L

Middlesbrough Championship form:

W

W

W

W

L

W

Team News

With Joe Allen expected to be absent through injury, Matt Grimes should replace the Welshman after recovering from illness.

Having spoken positively about his team's performance at Luton, Martin is expected to keep changes down to a minimum.

Needing three points, Morgan Whittaker may get the nod ahead of Luke Cundle in one of the two creative-midfield roles.

Barring any fitness issues, Carrick is likely to name the same Middlesbrough XI which started versus Reading.

If a change is made, Marcus Forss may return on the right flank at the expense of Riley McGree.

Swansea City possible starting lineup:

Fisher; Cabango, Wood, Latibeaudiere; Sorinola, Grimes, Fulton, Manning; Whittaker, Cooper; Piroe

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:

Steffen; Smith, Fry, Lenihan, Giles; Howson, Hackney; McGree, Akpom, Ramsey; Archer

We say: Swansea City 1-3 Middlesbrough

Martin knows that another win needs to be recorded sooner rather than later, and his team may relish the tag of underdogs for this contest. Nevertheless, Middlesbrough have been the clear stand-out team in front of goal since Carrick's appointment, and we expect that to continue on Saturday.

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