Jonathan Woodgate’s Middlesbrough have picked up just one point from their last five matches, and find themselves 21st in the Championship table.

The Teesiders started the season with a number of positive results, drawing 3-3 at Luton Town on the opening day, before recording early home wins over Wigan Athletic and Reading.

Since then, it’s all gone downhill for Woodgate's men and they look a side devoid of quality and confidence. The 4-1 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday was particularly damaging, as they found themselves conceding four goals by the 34th minute.

Boro have a number of problems that they need to address quickly, otherwise they’ll continue to slip down the table. In their last two matches, they have conceded crucial late goals, and they just aren’t scoring enough goals at the other end.

With Britt Assombalonga not scoring in his last six games, we look at whether it’s time for Ashley Fletcher to get a chance upfront against Huddersfield Town on Tuesday evening.

Fletcher holds the ball up well

Assombalonga is a good goal scorer but doesn’t offer a lot else. In a side that is lacking confidence, Boro need an outlet that can get them up the pitch.

Fletcher is willing to run the channels, win free-kicks and fight for loose balls - that’s what they need right now.

Woodgate’s side are struggling to create chances. Players like Marvin Johnson and Marcus Tavernier aren’t seeing enough of the ball to impact the game. Fletcher can bring others into play using his physicality, and get into the box to try and score goals.

Fletcher has a point to prove

Fletcher had a loan spell at Sunderland and has struggled to nail down a starting spot since returning to Boro.

With Assombalonga out of form and Boro desperate for a spark upfront, perhaps this is his time to shine.

Fletcher is a hardworking striker that will give his all for the cause. Simple things like pressing from the front and forcing errors from defenders, will give the whole place a lift.

Middlesbrough travel to fellow strugglers Huddersfield Town tomorrow, with both desperate for a win.