Middlesbrough take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the EFL Championship at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Both teams have had a strong start to the Championship season with Boro sitting in third place just two points off first spot.
Wolves are only one point behind Boro sitting in fourth place.
Kick-off is at 3pm UK time on Saturday, October 10.
Boro attack
The biggest threat to Wolves will be the Boro frontline with Will Lankshear, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Riley McGree all coming into this game in red-hot form.
Lankshear, who joined just this summer, has not looked out of place in the North East, scoring six goals in his first eight games in the Championship – he is currently second top goalscorer in the league.
Cozier-Duberry, who joined on deadline day on loan from Brighton, has already become a fan favourite in Middlesbrough, getting two goals and one assist in three games so far.
Wolves defence
Head coach Cesar Peixoto will be encouraged by his team’s recent defensive performances, with Wolves keeping clean sheets in their last two matches.
The visitors have also had to navigate a demanding run of away fixtures, including trips to West Ham, Birmingham City and Sheffield United.
They have collected seven points from four away league games, demonstrating that they can compete on the road.
One player who could take advantage is Marshall Munetsi, who is in fine form.
Team news and predicted line-ups
Middlesbrough team news
Middlesbrough could have most of their squad available, although Alfie Jones is reported to be unavailable.
Head coach Kim Hellberg may also consider tactical changes after his side conceded seven goals across their previous three league fixtures.
Sebastian Berhalter and Tommy Conway are among the players pushing for starting places, with Conway potentially offering an additional attacking threat.
Predicted Middlesbrough XI (3-4-2-1):
Vitek; Ayling, Malanda, Phillips; Brittain, Berhalter, Morris, Arfsten; Cozier-Duberry, Conway; Lankshear.
Wolves team news
Wolves are expected to be without Raul Jimenez because of a knee injury, while Fer Lopez is a reported fitness doubt.
Jordan James could feature in the starting XI, while Ladislav Krejci may return after recovering from injury.
Wolves will hope their recent defensive solidity continues against one of the Championship’s more productive home sides.
Predicted Wolves XI (4-2-3-1):
Sa; Trippier, Djiga, Toti Gomes, Bueno; Andre, Munetsi; Rodrigo Gomes, Jordan James, Mane; Armstrong.
Score prediction: Middlesbrough 2-2 Wolves
By Elliot Desage
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