Team News: Aitor Karanka makes two changes, Tim Ream starts for Fulham

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has brought Ben Gibson and Carlos de Pena into his side for the clash against Fulham, while Luke Garbutt starts for the Cottagers.

Centre-half Gibson and Uruguayan midfielder de Pena replace Fernando Amorebieta and Christian Stuani respectively, following Boro's 2-0 defeat to Reading a fortnight ago.

The on-loan Amorebieta is unable to play against his parent club Fulham.

Another loanee, in the form of Everton's Luke Garbutt, starts at left-back for Fulham.

Tim Ream has proved his fitness after picking up a slight injury on international duty with the United States to start in central defence for Kit Symons's side.

Scott Parker makes the Cottagers bench as he returns to full fitness following an injury layoff.

Middlesbrough: Konstantopoulos; Kalas, Ayala, Gibson, Friend; Leadbitter, Clayton, Downing, De Pena; Fabbrini, Nugent Subs: Mejias, Stephens, Fry, Nsue, Forshaw, Adomah, Kik

Fulham: Lonergan; Richards, Stearman, Ream, Garbutt; Christensen, Tunnicliffe, O'Hara, Pringle; McCormack, Dembele Subs: Lewis, Hutchinson, Fredericks, Parker, Kacaniklic, Mattila, Woodrow