Aitor Karanka expecting tough test against Crystal Palace

Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka has acknowledged that his team cannot afford to allow their standards to drop after a solid start to the season.

After securing promotion to the top flight, Boro have registered a win and two draws from their opening three games, but despite being favourites to add more points against a Palace side who only sit outside the relegation zone on goal difference, Karanka has warned his charges to expect a backlash from the visitors.

The 42-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "It is going to be a tough game, especially when Crystal Palace are not in a good way. They have very good forwards, and they will be doing everything to add points.

"In one or two weeks, everything can change so we have to forget the past and focus on the next game."

Middlesbrough could potentially move into the top four of the table with victory on Saturday.