Play-off pushing Middlesbrough host struggling Huddersfield Town at the Riverside stadium on Tuesday evening in what could prove to be a must win encounter for both sides, for very different reasons.

Both sides come in to the game on miserable runs of form, and both of them will be keen to take advantage of each other when they meet in the North East.

Neil Warnock's Middlesbrough have had a drop off in form at the wrong time of the season, with a six point gap separating them from a place in the top six.

A concern for Warnock will be that his side haven't won since a victory over Nottingham Forest nearly a month ago now, and their last two home games have ended in heavy defeats at the hands of Rotherham United and Brentford respectively.

If Middlesbrough's run of form has been bad, visiting Huddersfield Town's has been even worse, with Carlos Corberan's team the only side yet to win this year so far.

The Terriers have lacked confidence in recent times, and have been punished for some careless defending, which has seen them dragged into a relegation fight.

Ahead of the game tomorrow evening, the hosts sit eighth in the League Table, while the visitors sit 18th.

Team news

Neil Warnock is likely to make changes from the side that lost to Derby County at the weekend, in a bid to help his side return to winning ways.

The manager has hinted at changes in his press conference on Monday, with Anfernee Dijksteel and George Saville among those who are at risk of losing their spots in the starting line-up.

Warnock will also be without Dael Fry, Marcus Tavernier and Yannick Bolasie, while Nathaniel Mendez-Laing isn't expected to be fit enough to start the game tomorrow, and if he is to feature it's likely to be off the bench.

As for Huddersfield, head coach Carlos Corberan may also consider changes after the disappointing collapse against Wycombe Wanderers at the weekend.

Richard Stearman and Rarmarni Edmonds-Green are back in training, but neither are expected to feature for the Terriers in this one.

Club captain Christopher Schindler is still sidelined, as is attacking duo Danny Ward and Danny Grant.

Predicted lineups

Middlesbrough (4-2-3-1):

Bettinelli; Fisher, Hall, McNair, Bola, Morsy, Howson, Kebano, Johnson, Watmore, Fletcher.

Huddersfield (4-3-2-1):

Schofield; Pipa, Keogh, Sarr, O'Brien, Vallejo, Hogg, Bacuna, Holmes, Mbenza, Campbell.

Ones to watch

Neeskens Kebano - Middlesbrough

Among the January recruits made by Neil Warnock at Middlesbrough was the loan signing of Neeskens Kebano from Fulham.

The 28-year-old winger was part of the Fulham side promoted to the Premier League last season, and brings a massive boost to Boro. A skilful, dynamic winger, Kebano has the capabilties needed to sway the game in the favour of Neil Warnock's side tomorrow, and if his first few performances for Boro are anything to go buy, he could be the standout player in this fixture.

Juninho Bacuna - Huddersfield Town

A complete enigma of a player, Juninho Bacuna has struggled for consistency since arriving in West Yorkshire in 2018.

The Dutch born midfielder has in recent times been impressive for the Terriers however, and seems to be a man in confidence at the moment. His goal on Saturday was a reminder of his attacking qualities, and a good performance on the evening will be imperative to any success the Terriers have.

Previous meetings

Middlesbrough have the edge over Huddersfield in the five previous meetings, winning three of the last five outings, with the other two matches resulting in a draw and a Huddersfield win.

Last time out

In spite of Huddersfield's poor record against Middlesbrough, they did win the last meeting between the two teams, back in November, coming away 3-2 victors in an enthralling encounter at the John Smith's Stadium.

How to watch

Fans can either purchase a match pass from either of the clubs’ iFollow platforms, costing £10, or they can watch the game on Sky Sports Arena, with coverage commencing at 19:40. 

The game will kick off at 19:45 on BST on Tuesday 16 February.