Preview: Middlesbrough vs. Watford

Middlesbrough interim manager Mark Venus continues his stint in the hotseat for another Championship match as the club search for a permanent replacement for Tony Mowbray.

Venus witnessed his side suffer a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers last weekend, but managed to guide the team to a 4-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers at the Riverside Stadium in his first game in charge.

Boro return to home turf for this weekend's clash against Watford, who have failed to win a game in their last three fixtures, their most recent result being a 3-0 defeat to Leicester City.

Gianfranco Zola's side have only kept two clean sheets so far this season having had 18 goals shipped past them from 14 fixtures in the league.

Middlesbrough have no fresh injuries ahead of the encounter, while George Thorne could get his Watford debut following his loan move from West Bromwich Albion this week.

Recent form

Middlesbrough: LDWLWL

Watford: WLWLDL

Possible starting lineups

Middlesbrough: Steele; Williams, Woodgate, Ayala, Friend; Smallwood, Varga; Adomah, Leadbitter, Emnes; Kamara

Watford: Almunia; Doyley, Angella, Ekstrand; Anya, McGugan, McEachran, Murray, Pudil; Deeney, Forestieri

Sports Mole says: 2-1