Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs. Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough go into Sunday's Championship clash with Blackburn Rovers knowing that victory at Ewood Park would send them up to at least second in the table.

Boro currently sit fourth, but with the two teams directly above them, Ipswich Town and Derby County, not playing until Tuesday night, they would climb into the automatic promotion places, for a couple of days, at least with three points.

They could even end the weekend on top of the pile, although they would need leaders Bournemouth to lose to Millwall and a substantial goal swing for that to happen.

Aitor Karanka's side will be confident of holding up their end of the bargain at least, having bounced back from defeat to promotion rivals Ipswich with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.

It is now just one defeat in 10 matches for Boro, who also boast the best defensive record in the division having conceded just 17 times in their 23 outings.

Karanka was boosted by the long-awaited return of Rhys Williams during the win over Forest, but the defender is expected to be eased back to match fitness following 11 months on the sidelines.

Daniel Ayala was absent on Boxing Day due to illness and faces a late fitness test for this match, while Mustapha Carayol and Damia Abella remain injured.

Jelle Vossen came off the bench to score against Forest and may have earned himself a starting role as Karanka looks to keep things fresh during the busy festive period.

Gary Bowyer may also be looking to make changes having seen his side blow a lead to lose 2-1 against rivals Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day.

The defeat means that they have now won just one of their last five matches, leaving them four points adrift of the playoffs at the halfway point in the season.

It is at the back where their main issues lie, with no side in the top 14 of the Championship table having conceded more goals than Bowyer's side.

They will have Alex Baptiste available for selection once again on Sunday, however, after the loanee full-back was forced to sit out Friday's clash with parent club Bolton.

Corry Evans begins a two-match ban after picking up his 10th booking of the season, though, while Jason Lowe will once again be assessed due to a foot injury.

Rovers have won four of their last five matches at Ewood Park, but none of those games have come against teams above them in the table.

Blackburn:

Recent form: WDLLWL

Possible starting lineup: Steele; Baptiste, Hanley, Duffy, Olsson; Marshall, Tunnicliffe, Cairney, King; Gestede, Rhodes

Middlesbrough:

Recent form: DDWWLW

Possible starting lineup: Konstantopoulos; Nsue, Omeruo, Gibson, Friend; Clayton, Leadbitter, Adomah, Reach, Bamford; Vossen

Sports Mole says: 1-2