Middlesbrough prepare to play host to relegation-threatened Sheffield Wednesday on Monday afternoon, as the Championship campaign edges into the business end.
Michael Carrick’s side secured a positive away point at Southampton last time out thanks to a late Emmanuel Latte Lath header.
It kept their slim top-six hopes alive, as they lie nine points adrift of Norwich City, who occupy sixth place.
With 21 points still to play for, Boro likely need to win six of their remaining seven games, which would move them on to 73 points come the end of the gruelling 46-game campaign.
So with a home clash against Wednesday fast approaching, Boro can’t afford to slip up.
Middlesbrough injury news ahead of Sheffield Wednesday clash
Middlesbrough were without a whopping 11 senior players for their trip to Southampton on Friday, which makes the result all the more impressive.
Six of those absentees were defenders, with Matt Clarke the only senior centre-back available to Carrick.
Speaking after the Saints clash, Carrick confirmed that Riley McGree and Marcus Forss would miss the remainder of the season.
“Riley needs an operation and is out for the season, Marcus is out for the season too, which is desperately unfortunate,” the Boro boss said.
“It’s a big blow for both of them. They’ve both had a big impact since I’ve been here when they’ve been available.
“Paddy McNair will be a few weeks as well. He did his hamstring in the 90th minute for Northern Ireland in midweek. It’s another one to add to the list.”
Middlesbrough predicted XI v Sheffield Wednesday
In goal, Seny Dieng is expected to assume his usual place in the starting line-up.
In front of the Senegalese shot-stopper will be a back four made up of Luke Ayling, Jonny Howson, Matt Clarke and Lukas Engel.
Stepping into midfield sees a double pivot of Daniel Barlaser and Lewis O’Brien, with an attacking trio of Alex Gilbert, who could make his first-ever start for the club, Finn Azaz and Sam Greenwood in front.
Gilbert joined the Riverside outfit last summer after impressing for Brentford’s B team but has barely been given a sniff.
His nine-minute cameo against Southampton impressed Carrick and may be enough to see him awarded a place in the starting line-up.
Leading the line will indeed be Latte Lath, who has netted three times in his last five outings and is full of confidence.
Middlesbrough (4-2-3-1): Dieng; Ayling, Howson, Clarke, Engel; Barlaser, O’Brien; Gilbert, Azaz, Greenwood; Latte Lath.