Norwich v Middlesbrough preview
Friday 14 September 2018 14:05, UK
Norwich captain Grant Hanley will miss the Sky Bet Championship match against Middlesbrough as the defender faces up to six weeks out because of a thigh problem.
Full-back Ivo Pinto (hamstring) is not available, so England Under-19s defender Max Aarons should retain his place in the starting XI. Mario Vrancic should be available again after a pelvis problem which sidelined the midfielder since April.
Midfielders Kenny McLean (ankle) and Louis Thompson (hamstring) are both closing in on a return, while winger Matt Jarvis (ankle/knee) and forward Carlton Morris (knee) continue their recovery.
Boro boss Tony Pulis confirmed Danish forward Martin Braithwaite, who had been linked with a move away during the transfer window, is expected to feature. George Saville should also be involved at Carrow Road, having joined the club from Millwall on deadline day.
Fellow new recruit defender Danny Batth has been training with the Boro squad over the international break, so the on-loan Wolves man could be in line for his debut. Forward Rudy Gestede continues his recovery from an ankle problem.
Opta stats
Norwich have won their last three matches against Middlesbrough in all competitions without conceding a single goal.
Since a 4-4 draw between Norwich and Middlesbrough in January 2005, three league meetings between the teams at Carrow Road have produced just three goals.
Norwich striker Jordan Rhodes hasn't scored a single goal in any of his last 16 league appearances (inc. play-offs) against sides he's previously represented in the Football League since a brace against Ipswich Town in October 2015 for Blackburn Rovers.
Only Bolton (29y 11d) have an older starting XI average age than Middlesbrough in the Championship this season (28y 226d).
Norwich have alternated between a win and a defeat in their last eight home Championship games - they lost their last game at Carrow Road against Leeds.
Middlesbrough have kept five consecutive league clean sheets for the first time since a run of nine consecutively between November 2015 and January 2016; they haven't conceded in their last 503 minutes of Championship football.
Prutton's prediction
David Prutton predicts: 0-2 (11/1 with Sky Bet)
