Middlesbrough will be looking to edge themselves into playoff contention when they host Charlton Athletic at the Riverside on Saturday.

Boro are currently six points behind sixth place, but a victory this weekend could put them right in the mix of the chasing pack, depending on results elsewhere.

The hosts have enjoyed a fine spell of form recently, winning four of their last five league matches and dropping just two points in that time.

Aitor Karanka's side have only lost twice at home all season and just once since the opening day of the campaign.

Kei Kamara and Jonathan Woodgate are still doubts for Boro, but they will have Nathaniel Chalobah available for selection after he joined the club on loan from Chelsea on Thursday.

Middlesbrough have won five of their last six matches against Charlton, but the Addicks will be more worried about their proximity to the bottom three than their recent record against their opponents as they currently sit just three points clear of the relegation zone.

The visitors have established themselves as a tough team to beat recently, though, going five matches without a loss in all competitions.

However, four of those games did end in draws, making it just one win in nine matches for Chris Powell's side.

Away form is a worry for the Charlton boss as he has seen his side win just twice on their travels all season, although they have only amassed three fewer points away from home than they have at the Valley.

New signings Astrit Ajdarevic and Yohann Thuram-Ulien are unlikely to feature from the start, but Johnnie Jackson should play after missing his side's last Championship outing.

Recent form

Middlesbrough: WWWDLW

Charlton: LDWDDD

Possible starting lineups

Middlesbrough: Given; Williams, Gibson, Ayala, Friend; Leadbitter, Whitehead, Carayol, Emnes, Adomah; Main

Charlton: Hamer; Solly, Morrison, Wood, Wiggins; Wilson, Jackson, Stephens, Cousins; Kermorgant, Church

Sports Mole says: 2-1

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