Middlesbrough vs Reading Preview
Middlesbrough welcome Reading to The Riverside this weekend after suffering a 1-0 defeat away at Norwich last weekend.
Boro ended the match with just ten men after striker Rudy Gestede was given his marching orders, but the club have since appealed the decision and the red card was overturned and Gestede is available ahead of the arrival of Reading this Saturday.
There are no more injury concerns for Middlesbrough. However, Fabio may be available to start after he carries out a late fitness tests.
Reading suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Madejski Stadium last weekend when the Royals hosted Millwall last weekend.
Reading will be hoping that John Swift is fit after being out with a hamstring injury but defender Tommy Elphick is definitely unable after a minor knee injury.
Recent Form, last five league games:
Middlesbrough – LDWLW
Reading – LWLDL
Both teams come in to the game in mixed form and new manager Tony Pulis is still searching for his first win at The Riverside since being appointed Boro manager.
With Middlesbrough sat six points adrift of the play-offs and Reading being dragged into the relegation battle in the final third of the season, this Saturday is Pulis's best opportunity to pick up his first three points at home.
My prediction: Middlesbrough 2-0 Reading
Credit to The Daily Star for the imagery used in this article.