Middlesbrough have an opportunity to continue their recent improved run when taking on fellow top-seven outfit Derby County at the Riverside this weekend.
The Teessiders are chasing a fifth victory in six games and to continue their rise up the Championship table, although they are only currently separated by goal-difference from their latest opponents, who also have a game in hand.
Boro are without former Norwich City and Leeds United midfielder Jonny Howson, serving a one-game suspension having picked up his fifth caution of the season during the midweek triumph against Birmingham City.
Meanwhile, striker Rudy Gestede continues to work back to fitness following a thigh injury keeping him out since the opening month of the campaign.
The visitors are missing midfielder Bradley Johnson [hamstring], although on loan striker Sam Winnall [ankle] could return.
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