Match Preview: Middlesbrough (H)

Our first game of 2025 sees the Tigers welcome Middlesbrough to the MKM Stadium for an evening game under the lights!

The Opposition:

Currently sitting in sixth place in the Championship table, Boro have claimed 37 points from their 24 league games thus far, with their latest point coming in a goalless draw with Burnley.

Since taking over as Boro head coach over two years ago, Michael Carrick has had a positive impact throughout his time with them. Carrick has overseen 113 games as Boro boss thus far and these have produced 55 wins, 21 draws and 37 defeats.

Prior to securing his first role as a full-time manager, he spent time as a coach at Manchester United where he worked under José Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Carrick also had a short stint as caretaker manager of the Red Devils in which he picked up two victories and one draw from three matches.

When the two teams faced each other earlier this season, despite Mason Burstow scoring for the Tigers, Middlesbrough secured a 3-1 win at the Riverside, courtesy of a brace from Tommy Conway and finish from Finn Azaz.

Press Call: 

Head Coach Rubén Sellés spoke to the press ahead of the New Year's Day test at home to Boro. Read some of his key quotes below:

"Every point is important and to get three points away from home against a team who was performing really well in the season, it was really good for us; it shows we're competitive and it shows we can compete against anybody. The games we've had felt equal in integrity, we just need to find a way to win them all. But I was very pleased with the performance of the players and hopefully, we can get more points and good performances in the coming days and weeks." - Sellés reflects on Sunday's victory over playoff-chasing Blackburn Rovers. 

"Our mentality will always be to go and beat the opponent. It doesn't matter who is in front of us. We like to play at home and we will play the way we want to play and we will try to make our stadium a difficult place to come and win and if the opposition is to come and win, it needs to be because they had a really, really good day. To start tomorrow with a good performance will be massive for us." - Sellés on beginning 2025 right. 

"We know the team. We have been following Michael Carrick since he took over and last season was not the start that they wanted and then they finished around the play-offs. It’s a good team with very clear ideas and I know the results may have not been there for them, but they have competed for every game. They have a lot of power in the front and I expect a team that's organised. It’s a game that may be open more than the last few due to their style of play that they have and it's a game that will be a good challenge for us but I expect us to be competitive." - Sellés on Middlesbrough. 

Team News:

Rubén Sellés confirmed that left-back Ryan Giles is back in contention to face his former side, but also explained that Sunday's match-winner may miss the Tigers' New Year's Day clash. 

"Giles is fully available for tomorrow," he said.

"[Ryan] Longman is doubtful tomorrow. After the [Blackburn] game he reported some discomfort, so we will not know until tomorrow, probably before the game. 

"I think it's just the case. The ideal scenario is that everyone is fit but things happen in football and as a team and myself as a manager, we know just not to make excuses, so if someone's not available, someone will step onto the pitch. Likewise, if Longman is not available, I am sure someone will be ready to step in to make a statement like he did in the last game.

"Carl [Rushworth] was back on the grass today which is very good news for us. Hopefully soon he can be fully integrated into the training."