Middlesbrough vs Derby preview: Championship clash live on Sky Sports Football
Saturday 27 October 2018 11:31, UK
Middlesbrough defender Ryan Shotton is out of Saturday's Sky Bet Championship clash with Derby with a knee injury which is likely to sideline him for several weeks.
The full-back missed the 0-0 midweek draw with Rotherham because of the problem, which he suffered during last Friday night's 2-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday. Paddy McNair took his place against the Millers and is likely to get the nod again as Boro attempt to climb back to the top of the table.
Manager Tony Pulis otherwise has no fresh injury problems with striker Martin Braithwaite starting on Tuesday evening after being rested against the Owls following his return from international duty with Denmark.
Derby boss Frank Lampard is expected to choose from an unchanged squad after his side's 4-1 win at West Brom in midweek. Lampard, who has no new injury or suspension worries, confirmed midfielder Craig Bryson is unlikely to be ready in time after missing out on Wednesday night due to a calf injury.
Tom Lawrence returned to the starting XI in Bryson's absence against West Brom and should continue. George Evans (knee) and fellow midfielder Joe Ledley (hip) both remain sidelined.
Opta stats
Middlesbrough have won nine of their last 11 home league games against Derby (D1 L1), but lost this fixture 3-0 last season.
Derby's 3-0 win over Middlesbrough last season was their only clean sheet in their last 35 matches against them in all competitions.
Middlesbrough have kept 10 home Championship clean sheets in 2018 - more than any other side.
Live EFL
Derby have scored five goals in the opening 15 minutes of Championship matches this season - more than any other side.
None of Tony Pulis' 13 matches against Derby in all competitions as a manager have ended as a draw (seven wins, six defeats).
Derby striker Jack Marriott has been involved in five goals in his last three Championship matches (three goals, two assists).
Prutton's prediction
It's three home games in a row without a goal for Middlesbrough now, which simply isn't good enough for a team targeting automatic promotion. They are still second heading into the weekend, though, so it's not exactly panic stations yet!
Derby were superb in midweek as they took apart West Brom, but Frank Lampard won't let them get carried away. They have a big game to come against Chelsea on Wednesday night but they will be fully focused on their trip to the Riverside. I fancy them for another big win.
David Prutton predicts: 1-2 (12/1 with Sky Bet)
