Middlesbrough are suddenly in desperate need of points after the midweek fixtures left them outside the top six.
Their defeat at Sheffield United, coupled with Millwall's win against Bolton, meant that they fell out of the top six. Neil Harris' men now have the upper hand, with the two set to meet in a promotion showdown shortly.
First up though are Bristol City, another side with fading play off ambitions. They're in last chance saloon and will look to pile the pressure on Tony Pulis with another victory. If Boro manage to get a result, they can take comfort from knowing the Blades meet the Lions at Bramall Lane in another six pointer.
The margins are getting tighter, but the prize remains the same; a chance to compete at the top level of the English game next season.
With that in mind, here is the starting XI we feel Tony Pulis needs to roll with for tomorrow's clash.
Randolph hasn't given anyone cause to drop him and should continue in goal.
After all, what could the 30-year old do about that Lee Evans strike?
Shotton has slotted in on the right side of the back four all season and will be expecting to do the same tomorrow.
We can't see any reason why he won't get the nod.
On the other defensive flank, George Friend has also be consistent all season.
With the games running out, Pulis is unlikely to make any rash moves with his team selection.
Gibson might become hot property in the summer and if Boro want to keep him, they need that top six finish.
He has to start, not because he's the chairman's nephew, but because he's the best centre back at the club.
Why would anyone think of dropping Ayala?
Like Gibson, he's Premier League quality and must keep his place against a shot-shy Bristol City.
Besic has been stable and consistent in recent weeks and he'll be there again, mopping up in front of the back four.
His future at Goodison is uncertain, but after his Riverside spell there will be no shortage of offers should he move on.
With club captain Leadbitter suspended, Pulis must call up £2.7m-rated Adam Clayton to the first XI.
The 29-year old has plenty of experience to draw upon and won't let the side down on Saturday.
Howson is another, like Clayton, with lots of experience on big matches at this level.
He'll need a big performance to help fill the gap left by the suspended Leadbitter, but on form he's as good as there is in this division.
Traore will play as part of the front three, despite an ineffective outing on Tuesday night.
Everyone is entitled to an off game, Boro will be hoping that was all it was.
None of the front three really came through the Blades defeat with credit, but like Traore, Downing will start tomorrow.
He's got the big match experience and has the keys to unlock any defence. He just mislaid them on Tuesday night.
Is it a big call to keep Bamford in ahead of Assombalonga?
Perhaps, but the youngster has been playing out of his skin recently, whilst the former Peterborough man has only struck once this year.
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