Speaking ahead of the game, Boro midfielder George Saville spoke candidly on his recent omission from the first-team, and claimed: "I think we played the Brentford game at home that we lost and I had a few chances that I should be scoring, especially with the goals I’ve scored this season I’d have fancied myself.
“We then played Derby and I had a poor first half and it kind of just burst my bubble a little bit and just was flat.
“The manager had every reason to take me out of the team, it happens in football. I’ve had a couple of below average performances and then it’s up to me to try and get back in the team.
“The boys won against Huddersfield at home and Reading away so I had no complaints and have just got to keep working. Hopefully I can get back in the team and push on again.”
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Middlesbrough and the rest of the Championship, as the build-up to the upcoming weekend's action begins.
. 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
. Preston target tipped for exit
Ex-Aston Villa ace Gabby Agbonlahor has hinted that Villa striker Keinan Davis could leave the club this summer, as he "just wants to play football". Preston North End and Derby County are both thought to be interested in the player. (Football Insider) Photo: Pool
1. Preston target tipped for exit
Ex-Aston Villa ace Gabby Agbonlahor has hinted that Villa striker Keinan Davis could leave the club this summer, as he "just wants to play football". Preston North End and Derby County are both thought to be interested in the player. (Football Insider) Photo: Pool
2. Cook suffers season-ending injury
Bournemouth's push for promotion has taken a major blow, with star midfielder Lewis Cook set to miss the rest of the season after rupturing his ACL. He suffered the same injury on the same knee back in 2018. (The Athletic) Photo: Naomi Baker
3. Swans boss tells side to ignore the hype
Swansea City boss Steve Cooper has urged his side to pay no attention to the hype surrounding his side, as they continue to push for automatic promotion. They're currently in 3rd place, level on points with 2nd place Watford. (BBC Sport) Photo: Jan Kruger
4. Norwich face competition for Skipp
A host of unnamed Premier League clubs are rumoured to be taking an interest in Spurs' Oliver Skipp, who is currently starring on loan with Norwich City. The Canaries are still hopeful of bringing him back to Carrow Road next season. (The 72) Photo: Shaun Botterill