Middlesbrough welcome Millwall to the Riverside on Saturday afternoon knowing a win would take them ahead of The Lions in 9th place. 

Although they currently sit 14th, there is just four points separating them from the top six. 

Chris Wilder makes his return to management and will be hoping to get off to a decent start as Boro look to end their winless run. 

The decision to sack manager Neil Warnock came as a surprise to many following the well-earned 1-1 draw away at Promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion.

Boro sit just four points adrift of the play-offs and with January fast approaching, new man Wilder will be looking forward to the challenge. He is likely to be backed in the transfer window in an attempt to drive the club toward the top end of the Championship. The opportunity to become the clubs manager was too big to turn down for the former Sheffield United man. 

Young Striker Josh Coburn is in fine form in front of goal and will be looking to build on his record of scoring in consecutive games – a feat he has achieved for the first time in his career. 

The leaky nature of the Middlesbrough defence is an issue that Wilder will need to sort immediately. His side have shipped six goals on three separate occasions already this season and need to find some form of the club is to fight for a place in the play-offs. He is no stranger to the task at hand. 

For Millwall, their unpredictability was to the frustration of the majority of their fanbase as Rowett’s side started the campaign slowly. However, The Lions have managed five wins from their last eight games and find themselves just a point outside the play-off places. 

Despite this, Millwall played out a 1-1 draw with relegation favourites Derby County last time out and failed to take advantage of being a player up for the final 25 minutes. 

The nature of the Championship makes this fixture a crunch match as both sides seek to avoid dropping into the bottom home. A win for either side could build some much needed momentum. 

Millwall came away as 1-0 winners the last time the two sides met as Gary Rowett’s side secured all three points courtesy of a an own-goal from defender Grant Hall.

Team news:

Wilder has had nearly two weeks to work with his squad ahead of the 3pm clash at the Riverside on Saturday. The new boss will have to decide whether to make any significant changes from the squad who played in Warnock’s final game. 

A number of players have made progress with their recoveries during the international break as Onel Hernandez and Andraz Sporar return to bolster the attacking options for the home side. Matt Crooks also returns after serving his one game suspension following his five yellow cards. 

Centre-back pairing Shaun Hutchinson and George Evans are set to return to the match-day squad to face Millwall. Both Sheyi Ojo and Matt Smith might feel like they have a chance of a start given the attacking shortcomings in recent games. 

Millwall head into Saturday’s fixture without Daniel Ballard due to a head injury as Rowett faces no other serious fitness problems. They currently have suspension worries and travel to Teeside with the opportunity to play a full strength team. 

Form:

MFC: W W W L L D

Millwall: L W W L W D

What are your thoughts ahead of the Championship clash at the Riverside?

Will Wilder make any changes? 

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