Middlesbrough (A) Match Preview

It's a promotion chasing clash at the Riverside, as sixth place Middlesbrough play host to fourth place side Reading. Boro are unbeaten in five games, while Reading are looking for their fifth win in a row.

Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray - 'Reading are a team who you know will give everything for their manager for the full 90 minutes. They've got quality in the wide areas and they've added Jason Roberts, who'll be a big physical threat. But if we can get three points we'll be back on track for where we want to be, in the mix with a lot of other clubs but with a platform to try to finish the season strongly.

Reading manager Brian McDermott - 'Middlesbrough have got a good team. They have three in midfield and a front three who provide a lot of movement. They're solid at the back too so it'll be a good game. Things have moved on for both teams since the draw at Madejski earlier this season.'

Midfielder Barry Robson will face a late fitness test after picking a thigh injury during the week. Fellow midfielder Julio Arca is also out, so Nicky Bailey could deputise, as Kevin Thomson is suspended.

The tricky Dutchman has been Middlesbrough's best player this season and their top scorer, with 14 goals so far this season.

Captain Jobi McAnuff should be fine after making a shock return last week against Burnley, when it was feared he would be about for a month. Defensive duo Shaun Cummings and Andy Griffin have recovered from injury but McDermott could still stick with Connolly and Harte at full-back.

The experienced frontman has scored three goals in four games for the Royals and could prove to be handful for the Boro defence.

Reading 0 - 0 Middlesbrough

The Riverside is always a tough place to go, a 1-1 draw would be the most likely result that would satisfy both teams.

Middlesbrough - Portsmouth (A) - Saturday 3rd March - nPower Championship

Reading - Millwall (A) - Saturday 3rd March - nPower Championship

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Spain