Swansea City and Middlesbrough meet in South Wales on Saturday afternoon looking for a much-needed win in the Championship playoff race.

These two teams sit in 17th and 13th place respectively in the standings, Boro making the long trip on the back of three successive defeats.

Match preview

Earlier this month, Swansea took the decision to part ways with Michael Duff after less than six months in charge, yet it appears to have had the impact that club officials would have hoped.

Under the reins of interim boss Alan Sheehan, four points have been collected from games against Rotherham United and Stoke City, clubs who have the potential to become relegation rivals.

A permanent head coach will be appointed in due course and they will be relieved that a five-point gap has been established ahead of the bottom three.

Despite the perception that Swansea have generally struggled of late, just two defeats have been posted in eight games, away to Ipswich Town and Leeds United respectively.

With successive home fixtures against Middlesbrough and Preston North End, there is an opportunity for Swansea to catapult themselves up the table heading into the turn of the year.

From Middlesbrough's perspective, they appear to be at somewhat of a crossroads under Michael Carrick, whose side have not kicked on as many would have anticipated.

Boro have won just eight of their last 26 Championship fixtures, six of which came in succession earlier this season, and the feel-good factor has been lost at the Riverside Stadium.

Three defeats in a row have been posted against Leeds United, Ipswich Town and Hull City, the latter scoring twice in the final 21 minutes to win 2-1 on Wednesday night.

Although Carrick is regarded as one of English football's most highly-regarded young managers, Boro look far away from emerging as promotion contenders at this stage, and this arguably represents an important period if he is to remain in a job.

Team News

While Yannick Bolasie is at the stage where he may still only be considered for an hour of action at most, the playmaker could start in a creative role.

Despite being withdrawn at half time against Stoke, Charlie Patino should keep his place, with Jamal Lowe most likely to drop out of the team.

Although Carrick insisted that he was pleased with Boro's performance against Hull, that should not stop him making several alterations.

Matt Clarke could return to the backline, with Rav van den Berg reverting to right-back and taking the spot of Anfernee Dijksteel.

Morgan Rogers seems likely to return in the final third, while Josh Coburn will be assessed as he continues to carry a couple of niggles.

Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Rushworth; Key, Cabango, Darling, Tymon; Fulton, Grimes; Paterson, Patino, Bolasie; Yates

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Dieng; Van den Berg, Fry, Clarke, Engel; Howson, Barlaser; Jones, Crooks, Rogers; Lath

We say: Swansea City 1-2 Middlesbrough

Swansea have the momentum heading into this contest and their supporters will expect another strong result. However, Boro have reached a point under Carrick where they need another winning run, and that extra determination may see them get back on track.


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