Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate will be hoping to build on the 2-2 draw they got versus Bristol City before the international break when they play against Reading on Saturday.

It has been a difficult start to managerial life for the Boro boss, with the Teessiders currently sitting 18th in the Championship table after six games played.

Woodgate could have Daniel Ayala back in the side for the match. The Spaniard missed the draw against the Robins last time out but is now back in full training.

Left-back Daniel Coulson is, however, still out of contention but the defender is said to be making good progress and may be back available very soon.

Rudy Gestede injured his hamstring on international duty with Benin and is being assessed by the medical staff ahead of the weekend. Captain George Friend (adductor) and Jonny Howson (hernia) have both undergone surgery this week, and they are both long-term injury absentees.

Middlesbrough’s Predicted XI To Face Reading:

Randolph, Dijksteel, Shotton, Ayala, Bola, Johnson, McNair, Clayton, Wing, Fletcher, Assombalonga

Reading head into the encounter following a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Charlton. Manager Jose Gomes will be without Matt Miazga (hamstring) and Josh Barrett (virus) for the game, but Tyler Blackett and Tom McIntyre are both back in training.

Reading’s Predicted XI:

Rafael, Yiadom, Morrison, McIntyre, Moore, Richards, Ejaria, Swift, Pele, Joao, Puscas

The bookies have Middlesbrough as slight favourites to get the three points, with Bet365 pricing them at 11/10 for the win. A draw is 5/2 with Betway while a Reading victory is 14/5 at Unibet.