Preview: Cardiff City vs. Middlesbrough - prediction, team news, lineups

Cardiff City will continue the search for their first win under new manager Sabri Lamouchi when they host Middlesbrough in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.

The two sides are enduring differing campaigns, with the Bluebirds set for a relegation battle, whereas Boro are aiming to finish in a top-six position by the end of the season.

Match preview

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Despite a change in management, the terrible form suffered by Cardiff has continued into February, with the Bluebirds now 13 games without a win in all competitions, a run stretching back to November.

Ex-Nottingham Forest boss Lamouchi has been tasked with rescuing the Welsh club from their relegation fears this year, although two 1-0 defeats to begin his tenure have not settled nerves around the Cardiff City stadium.

Last time out, Cardiff lost away at fellow strugglers Hull City, with a second-half strike from Cyrus Christie earning the Tigers maximum points at the MKM Stadium.

The Bluebirds had their chances in Yorkshire - none more significant than Callum Robinson's missed penalty in the 23rd minute - but Lamouchi's men returned to Wales empty-handed for the fourth-straight away fixture.

Cardiff currently sit 21st in the Championship standings, just a point above the relegation zone with those in the bottom three having worryingly played a game fewer than the Welsh outfit.

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Michael Carrick continues to lead Middlesbrough into the upper reaches of the second tier despite some considerable setbacks last month, highlighting the 41-year-old's ever-improving managerial abilities.

Boro suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup third round before losing 2-0 against local rivals Sunderland - a pair of results which could have easily pushed Carrick's men off track.

Since that disappointment at the Stadium of Light, Middlesbrough have earned back-to-back wins at the Riverside against Watford and Blackpool by an aggregate score of 5-0.

Chuba Akpom netted three of those five over the past fortnight, with the 27-year-old leading the Championship's scoring charts with 16 goals from just 23 appearances.

Carrick's side are third in the second tier standings heading into this weekend, and although the ten-point gap to second-placed Sheffield United appears difficult to bridge, Boro have their sights firmly set on a top-six finish this season.

Team News

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Cardiff youngster Rubin Colwill is a doubt for this weekend after the midfielder missed training on Wednesday due to an ankle knock, an issue that will concern Bluebirds' supporters.

Better news involves the fitness of Mahlon Romeo, with the right-back having trained all week after returning from a hamstring injury and boss Lamouchi deeming the 27-year-old available for selection.

Ebou Adams sustained a leg injury at the beginning of this month and has not resumed first-team training just yet - the midfielder is expected back in a couple of weeks.

Middlesbrough boss Carrick is hoping to have Brazilian Rodrigo Muniz back amongst the action within the next two weeks, with the forward last appearing for the club before Christmas.

Matthew Clarke's return is yet to have a definitive date due to the nature of the defender's back injury, although Carrick is hoping for more clarity on the player's situation in the next week.

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:

Allsopp; Ng, Kipre, McGuinness, Simpson; Philogene-Bidace, Sawyers, Wintke, O'Dowda, Ojo; Robinson

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:

Steffen; Smith, McNair, Lenihan, Giles; Howson, Hackney, Forss, Akpom, McGree; Archer

We say: Cardiff City 1-2 Middlesbrough

Cardiff are still searching for their maiden victory under Lamouchi and now face a tricky test against an in-form Middlesbrough side.

Boro will be looking to cement their place in the playoffs this weekend and will fancy their chances against a Cardiff side yet to get firing under their new management.

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