As things stand, Boro are 8th in the table, but a win this weekend could see them break back into the play-off places if results elsewhere go their way.
Speaking after last weekend's win against Luton Town, Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder said: "It was a different type of performance from us, it was an arm-wrestle.
“I said after 10-15 minutes it was going to be about the result and we needed to show different qualities to get over the line.
“From a defensive point of view we did deal with what Luton served up but from a football view it was scrappy, it was an arm-wrestle, turgid. The first goal came from a great bit of play.
“I was disappointed we had a couple of chances before half-time, and Luton came back at us after that with nothing to lose. It became that sort of afternoon, so we had to get over the line by hook or by crook and we did that.
“Luton were on a fabulous run and they are up there for a reason, they have structure and win games of football."
Middlesbrough went on to lose their midweek clash to fellow play-off chasers Sheffield United, with Wilder suffering a grim return to his former club who defeated his new team 4-1.
Take a look at the latest news and transfer stories from the second tier, as the build-up to this weekend's eagerly anticipated action continues.
5. Nyland finds new club
Reading have snapped up Norway international goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland on a short-term deal. The ex-Aston Villa stopper was last at Bournemouth, and has also previously been on the books at Norwich City. (Club website) | Getty Images
6. Binnie’s Rams bid knocked back
The Binnie family have claimed that Derby County have ended takeover talks with them, due to their £30m offer being deemed too low. The cash-strapped club’s administrators are said to value the asset at around £50m, which includes £20m for Pride Park. (BBC Sport) | Getty Images
7. Spurs keen on Boro youngster
Spurs have been linked with a summer raid for Middlesbrough prospect Isaiah Jones. He’s said to be a favoured option over Boro’s Djed Spence, who has also been linked with the likes of Bayern Munich and Liverpool. (Give Me Sport) | AFP via Getty Images
8. Napoli want Fulham man permanently
Napoli are said to harbour hopes of signing Fulham’s André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, but for less than their pre-agreed fee of around £12.5m to make the deal permanent. His current contract with the Cottagers expires in 2023. (Sport Witness) | AFP via Getty Images