Middlesbrough play host to Leeds United on Sunday afternoon hoping to extend their recent winning streak in all competitions to seven matches.
Leeds make the trip to the Riverside Stadium on the back of just one defeat in eight league games, but boss Uwe Rosler will be keen to improve on their current position of 11th in the Championship standings.
Middlesbrough
© Getty Images
They may remain three points behind leaders Brighton & Hove Albion, but Middlesbrough are considered the team to beat in the Championship this season, and it is easy to see why after they recorded six successive victories in all competitions.
Their latest league success came at the City Ground last weekend as they overcame Nottingham Forest by a 2-1 scoreline, leading to Forest chief Dougie Freedman praising the North-East club for their style of play and strength in depth, two qualities that he expects will see Boro win promotion at the end of the season.
It would have taken a sterling effort from Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka to help his squad get over the disappointment of defeat in the playoff final in May, but their performance in the East Midlands, followed by the routine win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup, has elevated Boro into a position where hope has turned into expectation.
Summer signing David Nugent will be a pivotal figure in any promotion charge. The former Leicester City man provided an outlet both in front and behind the defence last weekend, and if he can remain fit, he should guarantee at least 15 goals this season, as well as numerous assists.
The reintegration of Albert Adomah after his failed exit from the club may also prove key, and with the Ghanaian netting twice in midweek to follow up his effort against Brentford on September 15, leaving Karanka blessed with options in the final third.
There will be a small worry over the defence, who have only kept one clean sheet in six league games and were indebted to Dimi Konstantopoulos against Forest, but as long as their attack is firing, they should remain a permanent fixture in the top six at the very least.
Recent form: DLWWWW
Recent form (all competitions): WWWWWW
Leeds United
© Getty Images
With the club placed just a point below the playoffs and suffering just one defeat in the league, Leeds appear at their most stable for some time, but the departure of Adam Pearson behind the scenes has threatened to overshadow their progress on the pitch.
Nevertheless, under Uwe Rosler, Leeds are producing the kind of performances that are being welcomed by the club's supporters, and although only two wins have been recorded - both on the road against Derby County and MK Dons - they look well positioned to make a bid for the playoffs.
They remain low on goals - they are yet to score more than twice in a game all season and only Chris Wood and Mirco Antenucci have scored more than one goal - but from a defensive perspective, only Bristol City have breached their backline more than once.
It remains to be seen whether Rosler will sacrifice an aspect of that part of his gameplan in an attempt to score more goals, but as long as the Whites remain in contention in the top half of the table, the German is likely to demand more of the same from his players.
Travelling to Middlesbrough in search of maximum points is a sizeable task, but with Leeds one of five teams yet to taste defeat on the road, they will not feel daunted by the challenge of trying to become the first team to stop Middlesbrough recording a win since August 22.
Recent form: DDWDLW
Team News
© Getty Images
Karanka revealed at his pre-match press conference that both Christian Stuani and Daniel Ayala are doubts for the game through injury.
Adam Reach is unlikely to be involved due to a possible loan move next week, but Carlos De Pena may be handed his first start in the league.
Rosler has revealed that he will speak with right-sided player Sam Byram in the wake of criticism from owner Massimo Cellino after failed contract talks.
Antenucci and Tom Adeyemi could remain on the bench, while Will Buckley will not be involved until next weekend, despite his loan move from Sunderland already being confirmed.
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Konstantopoulos, Nsue, Ayala, Gibson, Friend, Adomah, Leadbitter, Clayton, Downing, Nugent, De Pena
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Silvestri, Wootton, Bamba, Cooper, Taylor, Cook, Murphy, Mowatt, Byram, Wood, Dallas
Head To Head
In 93 previous meetings between the two sides, Middlesbrough just about have the edge on their opponents, prevailing 37 times compared to 30 victories for Leeds.
However, despite Leeds's poor showings in the league over recent years, they have only suffered one defeat to Middlesbrough in the last seven contests.
They also completed the double over Boro last season, with one goal being enough at both Elland Road and the Riverside.
We say: Middlesbrough 2-1 Leeds United
Leeds have surprised a lot of people by only suffering one setback during the first eight games of the season, but they could be handed their second defeat this weekend. Middlesbrough are a team high in confidence right now and we are backing them to strengthen their position in the automatic promotion places.
Darren Plant
