Middlesbrough
Jeremy Sarmiento made his first start in Middlesbrough's last five matches during the win at Stoke City and is expected to keep his place behind the striker. Riley McGree and Tommy Conway had both started regularly before that match but were substitutes at Stoke, each coming on with 26 minutes remaining.
In defence, Adilson Malanda should start again in the back three alongside Ashley Phillips and Luke Ayling. Amario Cozier-Duberry, who has scored twice and provided two assists in his five starts, is expected to continue behind the striker alongside Sarmiento. He has been substituted in each of those five appearances.
Cardiff City
Rubin Colwill and Yousef Salech will be assessed again before Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough after neither was close to returning against Watford. Will Fish, back from a hernia injury and used as a substitute in that game, is expected to start alongside Gabriel Osho in central defence. Krystian Bielik is available again after completing his suspension, although he is not expected to start there.
Dylan Lawlor is also expected to miss out after being substituted with a suspected hamstring problem against Watford. Further forward, Jack Moylan is likely to continue just behind the front line after contributing four goals and two assists during the last five matches.
