Middlesbrough will be looking to build on their win against Brentford at the weekend when they head to Deepdale on Tuesday night.
Tony Pulis’ side will meet Preston North End who appear to have turned their bad start to the Championship season around under Alex Neil.
Boro currently sit second in the table, just two points behind leaders Norwich City, who they will be hoping slip up against Hull City.
Pulis is expected to have a fully-fit squad available to him for the game at Deepdale, although he may not risk Ryan Shotton for the trip.
The defender is close to making a return to fitness following a knee injury and may sit out of the game against Preston as the festive schedule starts to kick in.
The Verdict:
Middlesbrough will look to continue their six-game unbeaten league run and have an excellent opportunity to do so.
Boro will know that they can go top of the Championship should they win and Norwich fail to do so, which should be enough motivation for the visitors to see the job through.
With Shotton closing in on a full return, the Teessiders look to be in a good position as the Christmas schedule begins to take shape.
Middlesbrough fans – thoughts?
