Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has called his team's Boxing Day clash with Burnley "a really important game".

Boro will enter Monday's fixture in 14th position in the Premier League table, two spots and one point above 16th-placed Burnley, who have already secured five league wins this season.

Karanka has admitted that Burnley's strong home form is a concern ahead of the match, but the Spaniard is confident that his team "will be ready" to take on the Clarets.

"They've won 16 points of their 17 at home. They are a really strong team but we have experience of playing there. They're a direct opponent in the table so it's a really important game," Karanka told reporters.

"I know them but we have players who weren't here last season. They need to know how strong and competitive they are. I will show them videos so we are ready. Their style at the moment is successful for them. Last season they won the Championship, this season the aim is the same as ours."

Middlesbrough, who have only won one of their eight away league matches this season, will enter Monday's fixture off the back of a 3-0 win over fellow strugglers Swansea City last weekend.