Middlesbrough – Blackburn

Middlesbrough host Blackburn in what promises to be a pivotal clash in the lower half of the table. The home side sit fifth with 13 points from six games, boasting four wins, a draw and a single loss while enjoying a modest +4 goal difference (12‑8). Blackburn, languishing in 15th place, have collected eight points, also from six fixtures, with two victories, two draws and three defeats, their tally balanced at 10‑10. The gap of five points and the contrasting recent form suggest Middlesbrough will look to extend their push for the top‑half, while Blackburn will need to turn around a season that has seen them concede as many as they have scored.