Boro are missing several important players for this. They have a bit of an injury crisis up front with Aliadiere injured, Lita suspended and Kitson going back to Stoke after his loan ended. They also have the vital centre backs Pogatetz and Wheater as doubts. As well as the injuries, Middlesbrough are on some very poor form under Strachan, and have only won two of their nine home games.