Middlesbrough will welcome Cardiff City to the Riverside tonight looking to break out of their winless streak.

The Teeside club are without a win in their five Championship fixtures, and have really hit a halt in their pursuit of the title.

The squad will be refreshed and ready to get back on track after Karanka took his side on a warm weather-training break to Marbella.

On the other hand, the Bluebirds are looking to continue their momentum after going on a six game unbeaten streak that has put them back in the frame for the play-offs.

A 4-1 win over fellow play off contenders Brighton and Hove Albion has really put the South Wales back in the mix, and a win for them tonight could really give their fans some renewed hope.

Cardiff are just four points adrift of sixth place Sheffield Wednesday, after they slipped up to Preston at the weekend.

While Boro fell out of the automatic spots after Burnley picked up a 2-0 over Rotherham United on Saturday.

Football League World Writer, Ashley identifies THREE things to look out for in the game…..

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 3 THINGS!

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Boro missing key players

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 Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka will be without Ben Gibson and Adam Clayton through suspension for their showdown with Cardiff.

Defender Gibson will sit out after being sent off for a second bookable offence during last week's goalless draw at Leeds, while midfielder Clayton will miss the first of two games as a result of his 10th yellow card of the season at Elland Road.

These are two of Boro’s best players this season, and they will have to cope without them against a Cardiff side who are flowing with confidence at the moment.

Opportunity for Cardiff

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Cardiff have a massive opportunity tonight to put them back in the frame for the top six that the fans truly desire.

It will be a tough trip to the Riverside, but the players will be confident that they can pick up a positive result.

They are back within the goals once again, after drawing 0-0 against MK Dons and Charlton prior to thumping Brighton.

One other positive aspect is that Cardiff have fared better against the successful sides in the league this season.

A win for the Bluebirds tonight would put a significant amount of pressure on Sheffield Wednesday if they suffer back-to-back losses tonight.

Tribute to Ali Brownlee

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Boro has unveiled plans for a tribute to BBC Tees presenter Ali Brownlee, who died from cancer on Sunday.

The 56 year old was known as the "Voice of the Boro" after commentating on the club for more than 30 years.

Officials have revealed a big screen tribute will take place at the game tonight and there will also be a minute's applause before kick-off.

Everyone associated with the club will be fired up tonight to make sure they secure 3 points for their beloved broadcaster.

Boro and Cardiff fans… Score predictions? Are you going to the game tonight? How big of a game is this for both sides? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!