Championship | Gameweek 24

Dec 29, 2024 at 8pm UK

Riverside Stadium

Middlesbrough vs Burnley

Match preview

Middlesbrough slipped out of the top six after squandering a three-goal lead at Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day.

Finn Azaz netted a brace after Ben Doak's opener to give Boro a commanding half-time lead, before Svante Ingelsson, Josh Windass and Yan Valery all found the net to deny Middlesbrough all three points at the Riverside Stadium.

It was the second successive 3-3 draw for Michael Carrick's side, who had previously come from behind on three occasions to earn a point away at relegation-threatened Plymouth Argyle last Saturday.

Although they are now on a three-game unbeaten run, Boro will be frustrated to have won just one of their last five games, leaving them a point adrift of the top six ahead of Sunday's tricky home clash with promotion-chasing Burnley.

However, they will be buoyed by a return of 41 goals from 23 games, making them the second highest scorers in the division behind leaders Leeds United.

Boro will be looking to put that firepower to good use in the final game of 2024, as they go in search of their first win over Burnley since a 1-0 victory in August 2015.

With 47 points from 23 games, Burnley are currently one point behind the top two, Sheffield United and Leeds United.

The Clarets will be looking to carry that momentum into the New Year, having won each of their last three games in a 10-match unbeaten run.

Burnley recorded 2-1 victories over Norwich City and Watford before a crucial 2-0 away win over promotion rivals Sheffield United on Boxing Day.

Josh Brownhill and Zian Flemming both scored as Burnley recorded their fourth successive away win and second win at Bramall Lane this year, having won 4-1 in the Premier League in April.

They now turn their attention to an away trip to a free-scoring Middlesbrough side who are well equipped to put up a stiff resistance, having conceded just nine goals in 23 league games, the best defensive record in the second tier.

Burnley have proven to be a tough outfit to beat in their recent encounters with Boro, having avoided defeat in each of their last seven competitive meetings (W3, D4), including a 1-1 draw when the two sides met at Turf Moor earlier this month.

Recent Performance

Middlesbrough Championship form:WDLWDD

Burnley Championship form:WDDWWW

Team News

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Sol Brynn will miss the Boxing Day draw with Sheffield Wednesday after picking up a shoulder injury.

Tom Glover came off the bench to replace the injured shot-stopper and the 27-year-old is now in line to make his first start of the season.

Rav van den Berg will serve a one-match ban following his dismissal on Thursday, while Tommy Conway will be assessed after picking up a hamstring problem against the Owls.

The hosts will also be without George Edmundson, Aidan Morris, Seny Dieng, Luke Ayling and Jonny Howson.

The visitors will be without Manuel Benson, Aaron Ramsey, Jordan Beyer, Enock Agyei, Nathan Redmond and Mike Tresor.

Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Jeremy Sarmiento will be assessed after missing the last two games through injury.

Brownhill will be looking to continue his recent goalscoring form after finding the net in each of Burnley's last three games.

Possible starting lineup

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:

Glover; Dijksteel, Fry, Clarke, Borges; Barlaser, Hackney; Doak, Azaz, Burgzorg; Latte Lath

Burnley possible starting lineup:

Trafford; Roberts, Egan-Riley, Esteve, Humphreys; Cullen, Laurent; Anthony, Brownhill, Mejbri; Flemming