Middlesbrough v Watford: match preview

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

With only one League win this season – against Sunderland – Middlesbrough could do with registering a first victory at the Riverside since April. Six points from seven games is a slightly disappointing return for Aitor Karanka who needs more from the currently under-achieving Gaston Ramírez and can only hope Álvaro Negredo rediscovers his scoring touch. In contrast, Watford’s Troy Deeney has scored three times in the last four games and Walter Mazzarri has challenged his centre forward to break into the England team. Louise Taylor

Kick-off Sunday 1.30pm

Venue Riverside Stadium

Last season n/a

Live Sky Sports 1

Referee Roger East

This season G3, Y9, R2, 4.33 cards per game

Odds H 6-5 A 5-2 D 9-4

Middlesbrough

Subs from Guzan, Chambers, Espinosa, Nsue, Traoré, Fischer, Clayton, Rhodes, Nugent, Da Silva, De Sart

Doubtful None

Injured Leadbitter (groin, Dec)

Suspended None

Form WDLLLD

Discipline Y14 R0

Leading scorer Stuani 3

Watford

Subs from Gilmartin, Pantilimon, Mariappa, Cathcart, Zuñiga, Kabasele, Guedioura, Watson, Doucouré, Sinclair, Success

Doubtful Behrami (knee), Britos (thigh), Cathcart (groin), Sinclair (hamstring), Success (leg)

Injured Janmaat (shoulder, Oct 29), Dja Djedje (foot), Okaka (hamstring, both unknown)

Suspended None

Form LLWWLD

Discipline Y24 R1

Leading scorer Capoue 4