Middlesbrough – Burnley

Middlesbrough host Burnley in what promises to be a stark contrast of form, with the home side perched in fifth place on 13 points after four wins, one draw and a single loss, boasting a healthy +4 goal difference (12‑8). Burnley sit at the foot of the table in 24th, having amassed just three points from three draws and four defeats, and they carry a worrying –8 deficit, having scored only eight while conceding sixteen. The clash pits a side that has already secured a win in three‑quarters of its games against a team that has yet to taste victory this season. If Middlesbrough can maintain their attacking edge, they will look to extend their unbeaten run, while Burnley will need to overturn a dismal record to avoid slipping further down the league. Both clubs will be keen to add crucial points as the race for European places and the battle against relegation intensify.