Middlesbrough vs Preston preview: Championship clash live on Sky Sports Football
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Wednesday 13 March 2019 12:03, UK
George Friend could return to Middlesbrough's starting line-up for their clash with Preston on Wednesday night.
The left-back was only introduced as a substitute during their defeat against Brentfotd at the weekend, but could be handed a recall by Tony Pulis. Aden Flint (hamstring) is a doubt.
Ben Pearson is back for Preston after his latest suspension, while Brad Potts, Tom Clarke and Tom Barkhuizen could also be picked by Alex Neil after returns from minor injuries.
Darnell Fisher is suspended after picking up 10 yellow cards, and Louis Moult and Callum Robinson (both hamstring) are also out.
Opta stats
Middlesbrough are unbeaten in 13 games against Preston in all competitions (W7 D6 L0) since a 0-1 defeat in January 1987.
Preston's last league win against Middlesbrough was in April 1972 - they are winless in 13 games since then.
Middlesbrough have earned 15 points from their last 13 league games at the Riverside (W3 D6 L4), 19 fewer than they won in their previous 13 there (34; W11 D1 L1).
Preston are unbeaten in 10 league games (W6 D4), the longest ongoing run in the division.
During his managerial career, Tony Pulis has never lost at home against Preston in 12 previous meetings (W4 D8 L0), though this is his first since January 2008, a 3-1 win with Stoke.
Alex Neil has defeated Middlesbrough just once in six attempts in all competitions (D3 L2) - in the Championship play-off final in May 2015.
Prutton's prediction
Middlesbrough need to start looking over their shoulders because there is a queue of sides now in decent form looking to take their place in the top six.
Preston are one of those teams. They got another good win at Blackburn at the weekend and are now just a few points off the play-offs. Score draw for me.
David Prutton predicts: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
