Preview: Middlesbrough vs. Bolton Wanderers

Middlesbrough will be eager to return to winning ways in the Championship on Tuesday night when they welcome Bolton Wanderers to the Riverside Stadium.

Aitor Karanka's side slipped down to second place in the table at the weekend as they were beaten 1-0 on home turf by Leeds United.

The last time that Boro had tasted defeat in the league previous to that game was a 2-0 loss to Ipswich Town on December 20.

Meanwhile, Bolton's poor run of form continued on Saturday when they were thrashed 4-1 by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

The Trotters, who remain in a precarious position above the relegation zone, have lost four of their last six matches in the Championship, prompting manager Neil Lennon to describe their recent performances as "unacceptable".

It was Middlesbrough who prevailed when the teams met in the reverse fixture back in August as a late goal from Kike earned the North-East club a 2-1 victory.

Boro striker Patrick Bamford could return to the starting lineup after being dropped for the team's defeat to Leeds, while goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos is expected to be back between the sticks following a ban. The hosts have no fresh injury concerns heading into the match.

Bolton duo Andy Lonergan and Tim Ream have been ruled out of the game after they picked up injuries against Forest on the weekend, while Matt Mills misses out through suspension.

Boro:

Form in Championship: WWWWDL Form in all competitions: WWWLDL

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

Bolton:

Form in Championship: LDLWLL Form in all competitions: DLLWLL

Possible starting lineup: Amos; Dervite, Wheater, Moxey; Feeney, Vela, Danns, Bannan, Twardzik; Clough, Le Fondre

Sports Mole says: 2-0