Preview: Boro vs Chelsea

Middlesbrough find themselves in a precarious position - only one point off the drop - whilst Chelsea continue to reverse their fortune. Boro need a lot of luck and the loss of Yakubu has hit them hard, and several are calling for Gareth Southgate's head. However, Chelsea will be hoping to grab three points to push them further up the Premiership table.

Avram Grant is finally settling in at Chelsea after a couple of decent wins, and the manager can now concentrate on using his own tactics, to try and get Chelsea back on top. Jose Mourinho's shadow has left the Bridge.

Speaking during the week, Southgate claimed he was under no illusions and expected to be sacked should the club become embroiled in a relegation dogfight.

"If things were going wrong, I'm sure (chairman) Steve Gibson would act as swiftly as he does in his own business, but he is realistic," he said.

"He doesn't expect us to be a Champions League team in 18 months. That gives you time to plan and get your head above the water."

Middlesbrough are missing Julio Arca (knee), Jeremie Aliadiere (hamstring), Emanuel Pogatetz (knee) and Robert Huth (ankle) on the sidelines, but Lee Dong-Gook makes a return.

Chelsea lost John Terry and Ashley Cole for a prolonged period after both picked up injuries while away on England duty, and they join Michael Ballack and MIchael Essien on the sidelines. Wayne Bridge is suspended.

This will be Henk Ten Cate’s first match as assistant first-team coach to Avram Grant.

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

Middlesbrough 0-1 Chelsea

Chelsea will come to the Riverside and look the dominant side - but will be looking for three points most importantly. Expect a late goal to wrap up the points.

Prediction: 1-0 to Chelsea

Goalscorer: Frank Lampard