Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough face a massive game on Monday night, as they take on promotion rivals Luton Town – a win will see Boro move back into 3rd place.
Middlesbrough could be without Dael Fry, Riley McGree, Aaron Ramsey and Marcus Forss for their game against the Hatters – on top of this, former Manchester United starlet Paddy McNair is also a doubt, after he was brought off in Boro’s last game against Hull City.
Additionally, Matt Clarke will also miss out, as his long journey towards full fitness continues.
In their last game, Middlesbrough picked up a vital three points against Yorkshire rivals Hull in a 3-1 win. The Tigers struck first, but Boro battled back – their goal scorers on the night were Hayden Hackney, Cameron Archer and Chuba Akpom.
Meanwhile, Luton floundered to a 1-1 draw in their last Championship fixture against relegation-threatened Reading. Former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll opened the scoring – he was sent off mere minutes later for a deliberate handball. Luton equalised in the 81st minute through Carlton Morris, but could not find a winning goal.
The last time the two teams met, Middlesbrough came from behind in a dramatic 2-1 victory. Jordan Clark took the lead for Luton in the first half, but Boro equalised just five minutes later with a goal from Akpom. In the second half, the Hatters’ Amari’i Bell was sent off – and Middlesbrough made them pay, as Matt Crooks netted a winner in added time.