Preview: Middlesbrough vs. Leeds United

A buoyant Middlesbrough will head into Saturday's game against Leeds United full of confidence after claiming top spot in the Championship this week.

Despite being a goal behind and down to 10 men at the interval in Wednesday's clash with Birmingham City, Aitor Karanka's men showed impressive fighting spirit as Patrick Bamford scored the equaliser they needed to leapfrog their rivals.

The 1-1 draw extended Middlesbrough's unbeaten run in the Championship to nine games, and they appear to be hitting their best form at the crucial period as they look to secure a return to the Premier League.

However, Karanka will be well aware of the pressure he is under from the likes of Bournemouth, Derby County and Ipswich Town, and it's a safe bet to assume there will be a number of lead changes in the latter stages of the season.

Strong home form has been vital throughout the campaign, and Middlesbrough will go in search of a 10th win at the Riverside in the early kickoff as they look to build on their one-point advantage at the summit.

Leeds make the trip North with their own confidence reaching new heights thanks to victories in their last two matches, and Neil Redfearn's side could go into the top half of the table with a positive result on Saturday.

It will also give Leeds the chance to complete the double over Middlesbrough as they look to repeat August's 1-0 win, which was secured thanks to a late strike from Billy Sharp.

Leeds are likely to name the same side which beat Millwall, while Middlesbrough will be forced into one change as Tomas Mejias prepares to replace the suspended Dimi Konstantopoulos.

Middlesbrough:

Form in Championship: WWWWWD Form in all competitions: WWWWLD

Possible starting lineup: Mejias, Fredericks, Omeruo, Gibson, Friend, Leadbitter, Forshaw, Tomlin, Bamford, Nsue, Vossen

Leeds:

Recent form: DWWLWW

Possible starting lineup: Silvestri, Wooton, Bamba, Bellusci, Taylor, Murphy, Cook, Byram, Austin, Mowatt, Morison

Sports Mole says: 2-1