Oxford United v Middlesbrough: Adi Viveash reveals Boro team and injury news

Middlesbrough face Oxford United away from home on Saturday afternoon as they look to strengthen their promotion push.

However, the Teessiders are under growing pressure, as they risk seeing their automatic ticket to the Premier League slip away. Stoke City are gathering momentum, sitting only two points behind, and a win against Leicester could threaten Boro's automatic ticket to the Premier League.

During yesterday’s press conference, interim boss Adi Viveash stressed that it is not the time for Middlesbrough to get comfortable regardless of their strong league position. “It’s a very congested league. You know that. We’re all seeing it. Two results the other way, you could be out of the top ten.”

Oxford United come into the match just three points clear of the relegation zone, having only managed three wins in 15 games this season. Despite their struggles, Viveash did not downplay their capabilities and offered praise for manager Gary Rowett.

“I’m going up against a coach who’s managed a thousand odd games. Gary’s a very talented person” he said “they’re in a different predicament, but he’ll have them right on the money, there’s no doubt about that.” Regarding injuries in the squad, he said, “We’re expecting people to be okay, but there are a couple we have to monitor and see where they’re at. Matty Targett has trained really well after the problems he had at Birmingham.”

He also acknowledged that there is a risk of Dael Fry missing out on the Oxford match, with the defender’s calf injury resurfacing during the Birmingham match before the international break. “There will be a decision on Dael tomorrow”.

The newly signed centre back George Edmundson has been sidelined since his early substitution against Stoke in September and is not returning for the upcoming fixture. “George Edmundson is going to be out. The hip bang he had has not settled unfortunately. We need that to settle before George can come back in.” Although Ivorian Abdoulaye Kanté is expected to return to training next week, he is also ruled out as he recovers from a minor groin surgery undergone at the end of October.

Viveash stepped in as interim manager after Rob Edwards left the club to join Wolves whose disastrous start to the season saw them dismissing Vítor Pereira. Edwards’ exit sparked frustration among Boro supporters, given he left midway through a promising promotion bid. Managerial changes are expected to cause uncertainty at any club, but Viveash insisted that the squad remains in a great place despite Edwards’ departure.

“On Monday, we trained and the session was fantastic, it really was. Real high level, lots of intensity, loads of intent, some wonderful football, some great goals, some really good defending. I said to them after, whoever gets the opportunity to take this job, what a job to come in to” he continued “people will be bending over backwards to come here.”

Amid rumours linking Kim Hellberg to the vacant manager role, Viveash made it clear that he has cherished his time at Boro. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I work for a great club” he added “my full focus has to be and has been on Oxford and the players. I don't have time to think about what else could happen or where things are going. I’m just trying to do my job to the best of my ability.”

Middlesbrough travel to Oxford looking to build on their promotion bid, which currently has them sitting second with 29 points. The match will be played at Kassam Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.

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