Middlesbrough will be looking to make it three wins from three when they take on newly-promoted Brentford at the Riverside.

The Teesside club have not won a home match since the opening day when they defeated Birmingham 2-0. While Brentford are hoping to make it three away wins on the bounce in the league after winning at Blackpool and Rotherham.

Boro's two victories have been solid performances, in their 2-1 win over Huddersfield it took a late Grant Leadbitter penalty to seal the points. On Tuesday night, it took an early Kike strike to leave the Welsh capital with all three.

Middlesbrough can't say no to quality players
Middlesbrough take on Brentford at the Riverside

Boro boss Aitor Karanka, who celebrated his 41st birthday on Thursday, believes three points would be the perfect present: “That would be the best celebration because it would be another three points and for me it will be important because we keep showing we are a very good team, and a very good squad,” he said.

Meanwhile, Brentford boss Mark Warburton is looking to shake off the small club tag this season after his side lost 3-0 at home to Norwich on Tuesday night: "I don't want to be perceived as a small club. Everyone talked about Norwich being able to go top of the table if they beat us, but I did not hear too many people mentioning we could possibly go second.

"We are not small guests at the party. There are a lot of very good players in that dressing room."

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Middlesbrough- Boro are without Damia Abella, who is sidelined for six months after injuring his knee against Cardiff. While Daniel Ayala is out after collecting five yellow cards and goalkeeper Tomas Mejias is out with a back injury.

Brentford- Brentford have no fresh injury concerns but Scott Hogan and Sam Saunders are still unavailable.