As encouraging as Middlesbrough’s recent performances have been they have still won only twice and are one point ahead of Hull. While Harry Maguire – a centre half coveted by Aitor Karanka – may have a chance to audition for a January move by marking Álvaro Negredo, the absence of Boro’s injured left-back George Friend could permit Robert Snodgrass to undermine the potentially vulnerable Fábio da Silva. Do not bet against Adama Traoré’s extraordinary pace and dribbling ability for Boro proving key though. Louise Taylor
Kick-off Monday 8pm
Venue Riverside Stadium
Last season (Championship) Middlesbrough 1 Hull City 0
Live Sky Sports 1
Referee Mike Dean
This season G10, Y43, R3, 4.90 cards per game
Odds H 7-9 A 4-1 D 5-2
Middlesbrough
Subs from Guzan, Ayala, Leadbitter, Espinosa, Nsue, Downing, Fischer, Rhodes, Nugent, De Sart
Doubtful None
Injured Friend (knee, 11 Dec)
Suspended None
Form LDWDLD
Discipline Y29 R0
Leading scorers Negredo, Stuani 3
Hull City
Subs from Jakupovic, Kuciak, Weir, Maguire, Bowen, Olley, Huddlestone, Tymon, Maloney, Hernández
Doubtful Hernández (groin), Maloney (back), Mason (ill)
Injured Bruce (achilles, 17 Dec), Odubajo (knee, May), Keane (knee, unknown)
Suspended Mbokani (first of three)
Form LLLWLD
Discipline Y18 R2
Leading scorer Snodgrass 4
