Two sides battling for Championship promotion meet at the Riverside on Saturday afternoon, as Middlesbrough take on West Brom.
Middlesbrough head into the clash 13th in the standings, just six points behind West Brom, who currently occupy one of the play-off positions at the midway point of the season.
Boro overcame Port Vale in midweek to book a Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Chelsea, but that victory came at a cost with three more players heading into the treatment room and the Baggies look ready to take advantage of the injury situation.
Team news
Middlesbrough are dealing with a lengthy injury list, with Hayden Hackney, Tom Smith, Darragh Lenihan and Lewis O’Brien all not expected back until January.
Paddy McNair, Marcus Forss and Riley McGree are also sidelined through injury, although the trio could be back in action at the end of this month.
Rav van den Berg is a doubt due to a back problem, while Emmanuel Latte Lath, Isaiah Jones and Matt Crooks will need to be assessed after coming off with hamstring injuries in the victory over Vale.
West Brom remain without the injured trio of Matt Phillips, Josh Maja and Daryl Dike, while there are doubts over John Swift’s availability after he missed the draw against Stoke last time out with muscle issues.
The stats
Middlesbrough have lost their last two fixtures at the Riverside, losing 2-0 to Ipswich and 2-1 to Hull.
Boro could be without as many as 11 first-team players for Saturday’s contest, with Michael Carrick admitting his side are walking wounded during the festive period.
West Brom are on a two-game unbeaten run and have won four of their last seven away assignments, getting the better of Preston, Coventry, Cardiff and Rotherham all to nil.
The Baggies have collected 15 points on the road this season, the seventh-best away record in the division.
The latest Middlesbrough vs West Brom odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
West Brom have been a touch hit-and-miss away from home this season, mixing four wins and three defeats from their last seven road fixtures, but this looks like a great chance for them to come away from the Riverside with the spoils.
Middlesbrough are without a host of key players all over the pitch and they may struggle to match the energy levels of the Baggies having been in action on Tuesday evening.
Carlos Corberan is facing fewer absences and his healthier squad can pick up the victory that will help maintain their place in the top six.