Boro head into the game having beaten Shrewsbury Town 4-3 in the EFL Cup last weekend, and Neil Warnock will be looking for his defence to tighten up against the Hornets. Meanwhile, the club continues to chase a number of transfer targets. Here's all the latest news and gossip from the Championship.
9. Boro close to keeper deal
Middlesbrough look to be close to signing Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on loan. The stopper, who has previously been called up by England, is believed to have had his medical yesterday. (Sky Sports) Photo: Stu Forster
10. Duo jostle for Joel
Brentford and Brighton have both been credited with an interest in Sport Gijon goalkeeper Christian Joel. The Cuban stopper has a €6m release clause, and he's also on Atletico Madrid's radar. (Sport Witness) Photo: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce