Middlesbrough vs Sheffield Wednesday preview
Monday 24 December 2018 12:58, UK
Ryan Shotton is a doubt for Middlesbrough's Sky Bet Championship clash with managerless Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day.
The 30-year-old defender limped off before half-time in the 1-0 win at Reading on Saturday with a knee injury although Boro boss Tony Pulis is hopeful it is only a minor knock.
Stewart Downing is set to be restored to the starting line-up after being rested against the Royals, with Pulis mindful of the winger's workload over the festive schedule. Rudy Gestede is the only other injury doubt as he continues his recovery from a hamstring complaint.
Barry Bannan will be available for Wednesday as they look to consolidate following their 1-0 win over Preston at the weekend. The Scotland midfielder missed the fixture against the Lilywhites and the loss at Swansea because of suspension.
Caretaker coach Lee Bullen is likely to be in the Owls hotseat once again and retain Keiren Westwood, who started against Preston having been frozen out under previous manager Jos Luhukay. Fernando Forestieri is again missing with a hamstring injury while fellow midfielder Kieran Lee (knee) and strikers Gary Hooper (groin) and Sam Winnall (hamstring) remain long-term absentees.
Opta stats
Middlesbrough are unbeaten in their last six competitive meetings with Sheffield Wednesday; winning five of those games and drawing one.
Sheffield Wednesday have won just one of their last 13 competitive away games against Middlesbrough (D4 L8) - this came in August 2014 thanks to a 3-2 win in the Championship, with two of their goals coming from striker Atdhe Nuhiu.
Sheffield Wednesday haven't lost on Boxing Day since 2011 and have won on Boxing Day in each of the last four years.
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Middlesbrough have won their last six Boxing Day matches at the Riverside Stadium, a run stretching back to 2009, with all matches coming in the Championship.
Tony Pulis faced Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day in 2006 when he was Stoke manager - the Owls won 2-1.
Sheffield Wednesday have collected just one point in their last five away Championship games (P5 W0 D1 L4), a goalless draw against Sheffield United.
Prutton's prediction
David Prutton predicts: 2-0 (11/2 with Sky Bet)
