Middlesbrough look to return to winning way after three successive draws in games where they held the lead on each occasion.
Meanwhile, their latest opponents Preston know that victory would be sufficient to lift them above their hosts in the table.
Vital Quotes:
Boro first team coach Colin Cooper told the club’s official website: “To have an honest chance of being in the play-off mix-up, the ideal scenario was two wins from the two home games against Reading and Preston.
“We can still do it but I think we will probably have to win six of the eight games we have left. Being honest, our current form says we won’t do that but you just don’t know.”
Skipper Callum Davidson talking to Preston’s official website: “It will be extremely difficult – they’re obviously a big club with big money. They’ll be disappointed where they are in the league, they probably are wanting to be in the top three challenging with West Brom and Newcastle.
“It hasn’t happened for them and the new manager is obviously building his own team which I’m sure will only get better – so it’s going to be difficult. They got a couple of new players in January so they’ll all be bedding in as well so it will be a real tough game. You have to expect it to be tough; every game is tough so one way or the other so we are expecting a hard game.”
Middlesbrough Team News:
Boro have defender Rhys Williams back in contention after he completed a one-match suspension against Reading. Stephen McManus was also hoping to return from illness, while Justin Hoyte collected a knee injury at the weekend and could be replaced by Kyle Naughton.
Player to watch: Julio Arca
Could be making his 250th league appearance in England.
Preston North End Team News:
Preston hope that midfielder Paul Coutts will have recovered from a hamstring injury and defender Billy Jones from illness. But a groin problem could once again keep Youl Mawene on the sidelines.
Player to watch: Sean St Ledger
Returns to his former club.
Match Facts & Stats
Boro have not lost to Preston in their last five league encounters, winning three times and drawing twice. They are also undefeated in their last eight home games, but have won only one of their last seven matches.
This is Preston’s first visit to the Riverside, and their weekend loss to West Brom was their first in six games.
Next Fixtures:
Boro – Watford (A); Preston – QPR (H)