Preview: Boro vs Fulham

Some important results have helped Middlesbrough move up the Premiership table, but Fulham still lie in the disastrous position of 19th in the table. Roy Hodgson is starting to feel the pressure, and the debut of Afonso Alves may inspire Middlesbrough to victory.

Analysis and Facts

Fulham are chasing their first top-flight victory on Teesside since 1979 and Boro chase their 150th Premiership victory. A win for Middlesbrough could move them into 11th spot, and Fulham could move to the edge of the relegation zone.

Suspensions and Injuries

Mido (groin) may return but Sanli Tuncay is unlikely to make it back in time. Afonso Alves could make the bench. Paul Stalteri and Jari Litmanen could play for their debuts but Hameur Bouazza will be missing.

Squads

Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Jones, Young, Grounds, Pogatetz, Huth, Wheater, Arca, Rochemback, Boateng, O'Neil, Downing, Johnson, Aliadiere, Alves, Mido, Lee.

Fulham (from): Niemi, Baird, Hughes, Andreasen, Hangeland, Konchesky, Bullard, Davies, Murphy, Dempsey, Nevland, McBride, Keller, Volz, Bocanegra, Kamara, Litmanen, Stalteri.

Hodgson: we're getting better

"I get the feeling the more we work together, the better they know me and the better we play - hopefully that will be enough to keep us up.

"The moment we start believing that because we have got a result somewhere, it means things are going to change and will become much easier, that would be a very foolish step."

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

Middlesbrough 2-0 Fulham

Middlesbrough should earn one over their relegation rivals. This will put them in good stead for Premiership survival and is a distance away from the start of the season that Boro endured. Afonso Alves could grab his debut goal - we're risking a bet on it!

Goalscorer: Afonso Alves