Middlesbrough travel to Watford this afternoon knowing that victory would move them above their latest opponents in the table.
Boro are boosted by the returns of goalkeeper Victor Valdes and winger Viktor Fischer following knee injuries.
However, defender Antonio Barragan [hamstring] and midfielder Gaston Ramirez [knee] are both ruled out while centre-back Daniel Ayala begins a three-game suspension.
Newcomer Rudy Gestede could make a first league start for the visitors since joining from Aston Villa.
“The position we need to strengthen is the wings. I think we need more pace, especially when we have the ball,” head coach Aitor Karanka told BBC Sport. “The aim, once again, is to finish the transfer window with a better squad.”
New loan signing Tom Cleverley should earn an immediate opportunity for the hosts, while Heurelho Gomes, Jose Holebas, Juan Zuniga, Valon Behrami and Stefano Okaka are all back available.
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