Middlesbrough vs Albion preview

The Seagulls will be buoyed by their 3-1 victory over top of the table Leicester last weekend and the fact they have lost just once in their last eight away in the league.

A win could see Albion sneak into the play-off places depending on results elsewhere while Middlesbrough could continue their push away from the bottom three.

Team News

Leonardo Ulloa is again available for selection after weeks out with a foot injury, although Ashley Barnes is likely to keep his place in attack after his three goals in as many games.

Adam El-Abd is in line for his first start of the season as Gordon Greer continues his recovery from a calf injury, while Peter Brezovan is expected to start in goal as a result of Tomasz Kuszczak’s stomach injury.

Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Ledesma is likely to miss out, as are Kei Kamara and goalkeeper Jason Steele, but Curtis Main returns after serving a one-match suspention.

Form

Albion saw their six game-unbeaten run come to an end in a 2-1 defeat at home to Barnsley but they rectified the loss with a 3-1 victory over Leicester.

From their 19 Championship games, the Seagulls have won seven, drawn seven and lost just five.

Boro have won just once in their last six but have been impressive on their own soil this term. They are now eight unbeaten at the Riverside, winning three from their last four.

Players to watch

Ashley Barnes (Albion)

The forward deserved his brace last weekend after a string of tireless performances and will be looking to continue that as Leonardo Ulloa and Leroy Lita are pressing for his place.

Albert Adomha (Boro)

The former Bristol City winger has scored seven goals in his 18 appearances this season in the league and has claimed four assists.

Statistic

There have been under 2.5 goals scored in seven of Albion’s last eight away games in the Championship.