Sheffield Wednesday vs Middlesbrough. Sky Bet Championship.
HillsboroughAttendance27,471.
Friday 22 December 2017 11:20, UK
Sheffield Wednesday defender Morgan Fox misses the visit of Middlesbrough through suspension after being sent off last week against Wolves.
Midfielder Sam Hutchinson has trained for the last three weeks after a knee injury ruled him out in October and he is now in contention for the squad while striker Steven Fletcher is hopeful of being involved in the festive programme after overcoming a knock.
Keiren Westwood has been ruled out with a groin problem which forced him to miss the Wolves game and while fellow goalkeeper Cameron Dawson has returned to Hillsborough following his short loan spell at Chesterfield. Head coach Carlos Carvalhal has confirmed Kieran Lee requires minor surgery to correct a hip problem.
Rudy Gestede will be hoping to force his way into Boro boss Garry Monk's plans. The striker has made three substitute appearances this month after coming back from a thigh injury that had sidelined him since August.
With Boro short of goals and having lost three of their last four Championship games, Gestede put his hand up for inclusion with two goals in a friendly win over Darlington on Wednesday. Midfielders Adam Clayton and Marvin Johnson also impressed and could be pushing for a place in the starting line-up.
Sheffield Wednesday have lost each of their last three matches against Middlesbrough in all competitions, losing 3-0 in their most recent meeting in the FA Cup last season.
Boro have kept one clean sheet in their last 14 meetings with the Owls at Hillsborough in all competitions, a 1-0 victory in October 1995.
Atdhe Nuhiu has scored four Football League goals against Middlesbrough - double the amount he's managed against any other side.
Garry Monk achieved a league double over Sheffield Wednesday last season as Leeds boss, winning both games without conceding a goal.
Middlesbrough have faced fewer shots than any other Championship team this season so far (226).
Sheffield Wednesday had won 37 points in the Championship after 22 games last season - 10 points more than they currently have at the same stage (27).
Is time running out for Carlos Carvalhal? You can't really judge any side for losing against Wolves, as they did last week, but the Owls are without a win in six now and they're running out of time to make a play-off push.
Garry Monk will be feeling the strain as well. Middlesbrough just can't ever seem to get a run going and they're also falling out of top-six contention. A draw here for me.
David Prutton predicts: 1-1 (9/2 with Sky Bet)
