Preview: Middlesbrough vs. Doncaster Rovers

Middlesbrough begin life without manager Tony Mowbray on Friday when they host Doncaster Rovers in the Championship.

Mowbray was sacked on Monday night after a run of one win in 10 matches saw Boro slip down to 16th place in the table.

Mowbray's former assistant Mark Venus will take temporary charge for the match at the Riverside Stadium.

Meanwhile, 17th-placed Doncaster are also in need of the points following two defeats in their last two fixtures.

Daniel Ayala could make his debut for Boro after his recent loan move from Norwich City as Jonathan Woodgate remains sidelined for the hosts.

Doncaster are likely to be without captain Rob Jones, who is currently suffering with an arm injury.

Recent form

Boro: DDLDWL

Doncaster: LDWLDL

Possible lineups

Boro: Steele; Richardson, Friend, Leadbitter, Hines; Gibson, Butterfield, Whitehead, Jutkiewicz; Kamara, Adomah

Doncaster: Turnbull; Quinn, Wabara, Keegan, Khumalo; Bennett, Coppinger, Furman; Brown, Wellens, Duffy

Sports Mole says: 1-1