One of the standout Championship fixtures this week will see Middlesbrough travel to Sheffield United in a game between two automatic promotion contenders.

Tony Pulis' side have quietly put a six-game unbeaten run together in the league and could move to within one point of the Blades with victory tomorrow - and they'd have a game in hand.

Yet, such is the nature of the Championship, a failure to win could see them outside the play-offs.

Therefore, it's a crucial game but Pulis will be confident his side can frustrate Chris Wilder's men and nick all three points.

And, here we look at the XI he should go with at Bramall Lane.

This is obviously a very defensive setup but it could actually work in an away game when the Blades will be looking to take the initiative.

The back five have performed well in recent weeks and they are exactly what you'd expect from a Pulis defence. They are strong, committed and aggressive in their play and those qualities will be needed tomorrow.

With that in mind, we expect an unchanged defensive unit, with Friend and Shotton on the flanks and Fry, Flint and Ayala protecting the very good Randolph in goal.

All season, the issue for Boro has been going forward and they simply don't create enough chances.

Obviously Pulis' negative tactics don't help and we understand why Boro fans are frustrated when they play this way most weeks.

But, as mentioned, it could actually work tomorrow and they will be allowed to counter, although he should look to get more pace in the side.

Lewis Wing is likely to miss out through injury, so van La Parra should get the nod down the right side and he will give them a real option to break quickly in transition.

Meanwhile, Saville is a reliable player down the left and he will come inside a lot to help out in what will be a packed centre of the park.

Going forward, Jordan Hugill has done okay recently but Assombalonga is a more direct, mobile player that could cause problems to a physical Blades back three.

He has been in decent form recently and will want a chance to impress from the start.

It's going to be a massive game for both sides and Pulis will hope his tried and trusted approach can grind out what would be a huge three points.