Middlesbrough play host to Preston North End on Saturday afternoon looking to get back to winning ways after dropping points in midweek.
At a time when Boro sit in third spot in the Championship standings, six points adrift of second, Preston occupy 11th position and are seven points behind the playoff places.
Match preview
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On the back of Middlesbrough being held by Stoke City on Tuesday night, Michael Carrick insisted that the 1-1 draw was 'a good point' for his side, aware that Sheffield United were playing Sunderland the following day.
However, it transpired that the stalemate with the Potters would represent two points dropped after their direct rivals for automatic promotion came from behind to win at the Stadium of Light.
Although nine matches still remain, Boro are now six points behind the Blades, increasing the need for the North East outfit to put together another prolonged winning streak.
While Boro would still deem a playoff spot at the end of the campaign to be a success, they have the squad to achieve more, particularly when five of their remaining games are scheduled for the Riverside Stadium.
Boro have not lost a league fixture on familiar territory since October, a run spanning 10 contests, but they may face a stern test from the visitors at the weekend.
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Not so long ago, Preston could be placed under the tag of also-rans, a consequence of losing seven matches during a 10-game period.
Since the last of those defeats, however, Ryan Lowe's have put together a seven-game unbeaten streak, collecting 13 points from that run of encounters.
Just three goals have been conceded, the most recent at Rotherham United on Tuesday ending a three-game streak of clean sheets, yet it mattered little as they posted a 2-1 triumph at the New York Stadium.
Despite clearly sitting as outsiders to challenge for the top six, Preston have growing momentum ahead of a favourable schedule after the international break.
Team News
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Despite the frustration of midweek, Carrick is not expected to make widespread changes to his Middlesbrough XI.
If a change is made, Marcus Forss is most likely to be recalled, either down the flank or as a direct replacement for Cameron Archer.
Dael Fry is also an alternative in the middle of the backline if Carrick chooses to replace Paddy McNair.
While Andrew Hughes and Liam Lindsay are pushing for recalls to the Preston defence, Lowe could opt to keep faith in the trio which started at Rotherham.
Barring the introduction of Alvaro Fernandez for Robbie Brady at left wing-back, the rest of the side could stay the same.
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Steffen; Smith, McNair, Lenihan, Giles; Howson, Hackney; Forss, Akpom, Ramsey; Archer
Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Woodman; Storey, Diaby, Cunningham; Potts, Browne, Whiteman, Johnson, Fernandez; Cannon, Evans
We say: Middlesbrough 3-1 Preston North End
With Preston travelling to the North East full of confidence, they will relish the opportunity to further derail Middlesbrough's automatic promotion bid. However, the home side's extra quality in attack may prove key, and we expect Carrick's side to come through in an entertaining fixture.
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Top tip
Darren Plant
