Middlesbrough have a key game against Derby which will go a long way to deciding who finishes in the last two play-off spots.

Boro's victory over Bristol City means they now lead the pack in fifth place, but there is only a three-point gap between them and Sheffield United in ninth, so it could still fluctuate significantly.

Derby are in a mini-crisis currently after the 3-1 defeat to local rivals Burton. Therefore, Middlesbrough can take advantage of that with a strong performance in this game by beating their direct rivals, although it will still be a tough game down in Pride Park.

Here's the XI Pulis should choose to give him the utmost chance of winning...

Randolph carries on his record of not missing a league game this season.

Shotton is the more defensive-minded of the two full-backs due to Adama Traore's high average position up the pitch. Although he stills need to support attacks when needed especially when Traore cut inside, so that the opposition is still stretched and he can take advantage of the space on the flank.

Ayala has been in top form recently defensively and offensively. He has three goals in his last three games, which have helped his side be victorious in two of those matches. However, Pulis would be happy with a clean sheet in this game.

Gibson hasn't been as involved in an attacking sense as his centre-back partner, but he is the key man at the heart of the defence.

Friend has to ensure that Stewart Downing is properly supported with overlapping runs to overload wide areas, but Pulis will want him to prioritise his defensive responsibilities first and foremost.

Howson forms part of a midfield three which needs to utilise the man advantage they have to dominate central areas and ensure that the Rams have little space to work in. He will be important in supporting attacks with late runs as an additional threat.

Besic sits in front of the defence and will be key in ensuring that Matej Vydra is tightly marked because the Czech striker excels at working off another striker with space in behind in the advanced areas.

Leadbitter comes in for Adam Clayton after serving his one-game suspension. He will perform a mixture of Besic and Howson's roles as Pulis aims to stifle Derby in the central areas.

Traore is the key element of creativity in this side due to his elite dribbling ability, and he will have the task of terrorising down Derby's left flank which will help destabilise their defensive shape.

£10.8m-rated Assombalonga comes in for Patrick Bamford who was injured in the last match against Bristol City. This gives the 25-year-old striker a major chance to stake a claim for a starting place in the play-offs, assuming they finish there of course.

Downing will need to overcome a knock he picked up if he wants to start in this match. However, Pulis is likely to start him if he passes fitness tests because he balances out Traore well through his tracking back and defensive contributions.