Middlesbrough are one of three sides sat atop of the Championship table on 22 points right now.

Clearly, they are strong contenders for promotion this season and this weekend they face another big test on their way to trying to achieve that - a home tie with Nottingham Forest.

Ahead of the clash, then, we caught up with OneBoro blogger Michael Oakes (@radioakes) to get his thoughts on the match...

Forest have proven tough to beat this season, how do Middlesbrough go about breaking them down? Could this prove another narrow victory?

Middlesbrough have been used to teams coming to Riverside this season looking for the draw, and I'd imagine this weekend's game against Forest will be no different.

The key to breaking down a well-organised team, something which Karanka has implemented at Forest, is patience. Of course, an early goal in any game is always welcome, but this is shaping up to be an even game.

Middlesbrough have played some nice football at times this season, but have often failed to represent this in the scoreline. If they keep it tight at the back, get the likes of Braithwaite, Saville and Downing on the ball, I'm confident the quality we have in the team will shine through with a victory.

Failing that, an Ayala or Flint header from a corner will do.

Aitor Karanka is a familiar face on Teesside, can you see similarities between his Forest team and his Boro one? What weaknesses of Karanka's set-up can Boro exploit?

At Middlesbrough, Aitor Karanka put together a team which was extremely well organised and defensively solid, boasting the best defence in the Football League in one of his season's charge.

He's started to shape Nottingham Forest in a similar way, but these things take time so they're probably not as solid as he'd hope for.

The weaknesses for many Middlesbrough fans, although I can't agree, is that Karanka played negative football.

If this Nottingham Forest side come to defend, Middlesbrough should have lots of the possession and be able to get key players on the ball. Although difficult to break down, you'd back this constant pressure to pay off in the end and Middlesbrough to show their quality.

Stewart Downing shone last time out, is he currently enjoying one of his best spells in a Boro shirt?

Yes. Downing has had a difficult few years since he returned to his hometown club, with many criticisms regarding the amount he offers to the team.

He played lots of games under Karanka, but there was always a feeling the manager only picked Downing as he was the big-money signing of that summer in addition to his local connections.

Pulis has been very vocal about how much he likes Downing, and this confidence seems to be paying off. He looks comfortable on the ball and is now consistency proving he's quality of delivery and passing we know he has.

He's also benefited more than most from the gruelling pre-season training, with the veteran looking fitter than ever. With clever management to rest him in certain games, maintaining this form could be key to promotion.

Jordan Hugill started on Tuesday but was subbed for Britt Assombalonga - what strikeforce should Pulis use this weekend?

Jordan Hugill joined the club with an injury, so has yet to hit the ground running. But, he's a Pulis type of player. He's strong, good in the air and can hold a ball up to bring others in to play.

However, I think this weekend Pulis will opt for Assombalonga. With Forest set to play a defensive shape, Assombalonga will help to stretch their defensive and run in behind, leaving plenty of room for Braithwaite to operate. He often tires towards the end of the game, so Pulis will probably prefer to utilise Hugill from the bench to get a goal if needed.

Lewis Grabban seems to be finding his feet for Forest now. Do Boro need a specific plan? Or will their usual defensive stoutness see them through?

At this moment, the defensive giants of Flint and Ayala wouldn't be fearful of any striker in this division. Utilising their power and physical dominance, the pair have played an integral part in what is the best defensive record in the league.

Grabban is a proven striker whose pace potentially gives him an upper hand against a defence which does lack a little pace. However, if Middlesbrough put pressure on the Forest midfield to disrupt any passing rhythm and force long balls up to the striker, it could prove to be a frustrating afternoon for Grabban.

Score prediction

1-0

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