Match preview: Middlesbrough v BoltonSETTING THE SCENEBolton are on the road for the second time in four days on Tuesday, travelling across the Pennines to face high-flying Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship.
Neil Lennon will be keen for his side to return to winning ways following defeat at Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
A top half berth very much remains in sight for Bolton, who sit just three points adrift of 12th placed Sheffield Wednesday.
Despite a somewhat surprise defeat on their own patch against Leeds last time out, Aitor Karanka’s side currently occupy one of the two automatic promotion spots.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]As the season approaches the run in, hopes of a return to the top flight are high at The Riverside Stadium following a four-year hiatus.
Middlesbrough will hope to garner points ahead of an important period, with consecutive games against fellow promotion hopefuls Ipswich, Derby and Bournemouth on the horizon.
TEAM NEWSBolton will be without Andrew Lonergan and Tim Ream, who both left the field on a stretcher during the weekend’s defeat at The City Ground.
The pair have been cleared of serious injury, though they won’t be risked for the trip to Teesside.
Craig Davies will also miss out, as he continues his recovery from a hamstring complaint, with Adam Bogdan (ankle), Darren Pratley (hamstring), Mark Davies, Max Clayton (both knee) and Marc Tierney (leg) all definitely out.
Liam Trotter remains touch and go with a thigh complaint.
Matt Mills is suspended following his two yellow cards and subsequent sending off at Nottingham Forest.
ONE TO WATCHWhilst central midfield partner Grant Leadbitter has grabbed the headlines by bagging double figures, Adam Clayton’s industry has been key in Middlesbrough’s so far productive season.
Somewhat surprisingly, Clayton is yet to open his Middlesbrough account after signing from fellow Championship outfit Huddersfield last term.
But his energetic performances and ability to get around the pitch will no doubt prove key between now and the end of the season.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]LAST MIDDLESBROUGH XI (L 0-1 v Leeds (H))Mejias, Nsue (Bamford 66), Kalas, Gibson, Friend, Adomah, Clayton, Leadbitter (Forshaw 79), Reach (Tomlin 57), Vossen, Kike
Unused subs: Ripley, Husband, Whitehead, Omeruo
LAST TIME WE MET (Bolton 1-2 Middlesbrough)Middlesbrough ran out the winners by the odd goal in three.
After Craig Davies opened the scoring from the penalty spot, Grant Leadbitter levelled things up on the stroke of half time following David Wheater’s handball inside the area.
Then towards the end of the second half Kike latched on to a through ball to deftly clip home the winner.
TICKETSBolton fans will be able to buy tickets on the day of the game directly from The Riverside Stadium.
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