Middlesbrough and Bristol City meet at the Riverside Stadium in the EFL Championship on Saturday, February 10.
The Robins go in to the match on the back of a defeat to Nottingham Forest on penalties in the FA Cup. City boss Liam Manning expressed his desire for ties to decided by penalties rather than going through an extra thirty minutes of additional time.
Boro weren't in action in midweek as they were knocked out by Aston Villa in the third round stage but did play on Sunday, drawing 1-1 against Sunderland. Michael Carrick's side went in front Marcus Forss but the Black Cats equalised and they could not restore their lead.
Middlesbrough were Manning's opponent in his first game in charge at Ashton Gate and City won 3-2 on home soil. Mark Sykes won the match in the 67th minute after City had surrendered a two-goal lead from first-half efforts from Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Tommy Conway.
Not since the 2015/16 season have City done a league double over Boro, but they are boosted by the fact that Middlesbrough have won just two of their last 11 league matches at home against them. City are on a winless run however and have not won in six matches which is their longest since August 2021. Away form hasn't been the greatest either and they have won just one of their last 10 games on their travels.
Bristol City will be boosted by the fact that the likes of Cam Pring and Taylor Gardner-Hickman will return from suspension. Adedire Mebude is in line to make his debut too having been registered too late to face Leeds United and being ineligible to play against Forerst. Here's the latest injury and team news ahead of Middlesbrough v Bristol City in the North East.
1. Adedire Mebude - available.
Set to be involved after joining on loan from K.V.C. Westerlo. Couldn't play against Nottingham Forest because of FA registration rules.
2. Riley McGree - available
Back in contention for Boro after spending the month away on international duty with Australia. He was representing the Socceroo's in the Asia Cup but they ere eliminated. Photo: Stu Forster
3. Riley McGree - available (continued)
Michael Carrick said on February 8: "“Riley is fine and fresh,” said Carrick. “He was just finding form before he left us really. It was great to see him back and you could feel then that he looked back to himself."
4. Marcus Forss - available
Took a knock in the closing stages of the draw against Sunderland. He's likely to play a part against the Robins. Photo: Michael Regan