Middlesbrough face another tricky test as they welcome Watford to the Riverside Stadium on Easter Monday.

The Teessiders fell to a disappointing defeat against AFC Bournemouth on Good Friday, a result that all-but ended any hopes of finishing the season in the play-off spots.

For the Hornets there's still plenty to play for.

Watford are currently sitting in second position in the table and are hoping to secure an immediate return to the top flight after suffering relegation this term.

That means that picking up three points against Middlesbrough is a must.

But for Neil Warnock's side there's still plenty to play for. Here are some of the dilemmas that he faces ahead of this one.

Turning to youth

With the play-offs all-but ruled out it means that Neil Warnock has some big decisions to make.

After giving youth a chance in the first half of the season the likes of Sol Brynn, Sam Folarin, Hayden Hackney and Josh Coburn have played a reduced role during the second half of the season.

With little to play for between now and the end of the season it'll be interesting to see if these players get more of an opportunity, starting against Watford.

 

 

Dropping the loan stars

Much has been made of Middlesbrough need to focus their attentions on next season, and that could be reflected in Neil Warnock's line-up.

The likes of Yannick Bolasie, Neeskens Kebano, Marcus Bettinelli are all on loan this term and that means that the likelihood is that they won't be sticking around at the Riverside Stadium next term.

While these players clearly bring experience it's perhaps a good time to move them to one side and focus on the players who will be in contention next term.

Ashley Fletcher

Another player who faces an uncertain future is bound to be a big talking between now and the end of the season.

Fletcher is out of contract in the summer and due to injury has struggled to really make an impact in the last few weeks as he fights his way back to fitness.

If he's included against Watford it could be a big hint regarding his future and so that's something that fans will be keeping a very close eye on.