Middlesbrough’s defeat to Leeds midweek puts them right back in the relegation mire. They are now only out of the dropzone on goal difference following Wigan’s win against Reading.

Boro’s loss on Wednesday night was compounded by the injuries to both Ashley Fletcher and captain George Friend. Manager Jonathan Woodgate is confident that both have only minor hamstring problems but they are major doubts for Monday’s crucial game against Nottingham Forest.

Daniel Ayala (ankle), Dael Fry (thigh) and Patrick Roberts (hamstring) all remain out of contention but Woodgate is hoping that the Manchester City loanee will return to action soon.

Middlesbrough’s Predicted XI To Face Forest:

Pears, Spence, Howson, Shotton, Moukoudi, Coulson, McNair, Wing, Saville, Tavernier, Assombalonga

Forest manager Sabri Lamouchi has three players currently on the treatment table. Nuno da Costa has a muscular injury, while Samba Sow has a knee problem. Tendayi Darikwa is undergoing rehab after sustaining an ACL injury in the summer.

Forest’s Predicted XI:

Samba, Cash, Figueiredo, Worrall, Ribeiro, Ameobi, Watson, Tiago Silva, Yates, Lolley, Grabban

The bookies have Boro as the slight favourites with Unibet pricing them at 37/20 for the win. A draw is 23/10 with Betfred while a Forest victory is 15/8 at Bet 365.

Predicted Score – 0-0