Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka will take charge of his first match at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday when his team host Bolton Wanderers.

The former Real Madrid assistant witnessed his new side lose 2-1 at Leeds United last week, and the Spaniard will be keen to make a positive impression in front of the club's supporters.

Karanka will be without goalkeeper Jason Steele, after he was dismissed at Elland Road.

Bolton endured a dismal start to the season, but four wins in an unbeaten run of eight matches has helped the Trotters move into 15th position in the league table.

Striker Jermaine Beckford has played a key part in their resurgence, netting five times in his last six games.

Recent form

Middlesbrough: WLWLDL

Bolton Wanderers: WDDWWW

Possible starting lineups

Middlesbrough: Leutwiler; Richardson, Friend, Woodgate, Ayala; Leadbitter, Adomah, Smallwood, Kamara; Emnes, Carayol

Bolton Wanderers: Lonergan; McNaughton, Baptiste, Mills, Ream; Danns, Kamara, Spearing, Pratley, Lee; Beckford

Sports Mole says: 1-1

Previews by email