Aitor Karanka has warned his defence about the threat posed by Andy Carroll. “He’s an amazing player,” said Middlesbrough’s manager. “He’s a player we have to be careful of. We need to try to stop him, to stop the balls to him.” Expert at securing goalless draws, Boro are only four points above the relegation zone and have scored just 17 times in 21 league games. Patrick Bamford, newly signed from Chelsea for £6m, hopes to improve such statistics but will begin on the bench. Louise Taylor
Kick-off TSaturday 3pm
Venue Riverside Stadium
Last season n/a
Referee Martin Atkinson
This season G15, Y56, R1, 3.87 cards per game
Odds H 6-4 A 2-1 D 9-4
Middlesbrough
Subs from Guzan, Clayton, Traoré, Downing, Rhodes, Fry, Gestede, Fischer, Bamford
Doubtful None
Injured Barragán (hamstring), Ramírez (knee, both unknown)
Suspended Ayala (second of three)
Form LWLLDD
Discipline Y44 R0
Leading scorer Negredo 5
West Ham United
Subs from Adrian, Spiegel, Oxford, Ogbonna, Pike, Quina, Fernandes, Fletcher, Martínez, Browne, Calleri
Doubtful Byram (knee), Carroll (neck), Feghouli (heel), Reid (match fitness)
Injured Sakho (back, Mar), Arbeloa (calf), Masuaku (knee), Töre (knee, all unknown)
Suspended None
Unavailable Ayew, Kouyaté (Africa Cup of Nations)
Form WWWLLW
Discipline Y49 R3
Leading scorer Antonio 8
