As things stand, Middlesbrough are ninth in the table after 33 games, but are just five points off a top-six finish as we move closer to the business end of the season.
Speaking ahead of the game, Boro boss Neil Warnock moved to clarify a comment suggesting the recruitment team hadn't seen summer signing Chuba Akpom live in action before signing him.
He revealed: "I think it was taken out of context a bit. We just hadn’t seen him live when he was top of the recruitment list. We agreed that he looked the best bet, but we weren’t able to see him live.
“I just meant that we need to watch players live before we sign them really, and we should be able to do that between now and the end of the summer.
“It wasn’t intended to be a slur on Chuba, it was just an issue that we couldn’t see him live before we bought him.”
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Middlesbrough and the rest of the Championship, ahead of the midweek action:
. PRESTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: A general view of the EFL matchball prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Leeds United at Deepdale on October 22, 2019 in Preston, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Championship transfer news. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) Photo: Lewis Storey
. Championshi
Bookies have suspended betting on the next Ipswich Town manager, as ex-Wigan Athletic boss Paul Cook, who was linked with both the Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday job before the club pursued other options, closes in on the position. (SkyBet) Photo: George Wood
1. Championshi
Bookies have suspended betting on the next Ipswich Town manager, as ex-Wigan Athletic boss Paul Cook, who was linked with both the Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday job before the club pursued other options, closes in on the position. (SkyBet) Photo: George Wood
2. Rovers defender not just a speedster
Blackburn Rovers defender Tyler Magloire has revealed his frustrations at only being known for his remarkable pace, and has stated his current loan spell with Motherwell has been an ideal opportunity to showcase the breadth of his talents. (Daily Record) Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
3. Rovers suffer double injury blow
Bristol City look set to be without key men Joe Williams and Andreas Weiman for the rest of the season, with new manager Nigel Pearson doubting the pair's chances of playing any part in the run-in due to ongoing injury issues. (Bristol Post) Photo: Stu Forster
4. Barnsley face competition for Wigan striker
Arsenal, Rangers and Celtic have all emerged as potential suitors for Wigan Athletic striker Kyle Joseph. Barnsley made an unsuccessful approach to sign the 19-year-old striker in the January transfer window. (Football Insider) Photo: Lewis Storey