Middlesbrough v Southampton: match preview

Middlesbrough v Southampton: probable starters in bold, contenders in light

With Middlesbrough down and Southampton mid-table it all looks slightly meaningless but the two managers, at least, have much to play for. While Claude Puel, puzzlingly “under pressure” on the south coast intends to convince his board to keep him on next season, Steve Agnew, Boro’s interim boss is hoping against hope that, come August, he might still be in charge in the Championship. Was it really only a year ago that Aitor Karanka’s Boro were celebrating promotion here? Louise Taylor

Kick-off Saturday 3pm

Venue Riverside Stadium

Last season n/a

Referee Anthony Taylor

This season G28, Y115, R4, 4.39 cards per game

Odds H 3-1 A 11-10 D 5-2

Middlesbrough

Subs from Valdés, Konstantopoulos, Barragán, Espinosa, Forshaw, Fischer, Stuani, Bamford, Guedioura, Gestede, Fry, Husband

Doubtful Ayala (ankle), Ramírez (pelvis), Valdés (ribs)

Injured None

Suspended None

Form DLLWDL

Discipline Y73 R1

Leading scorer Negredo 9

Southampton

Subs from Hassen, Taylor, Clasie, Gardos, Long, Rodriguez, Cáceres, Targett, Martina, Reed, Pied, Isgrove, McQueen, Hesketh, Austin

Doubtful Austin (shoulder), Targett (hamstring)

Injured McCarthy (hamstring), Van Dijk (foot, both unknown)

Suspended None

Form WLLDDL

Discipline Y56 R2

Leading scorers Austin, Redmond 6