The SkyBet Championship is back this weekend and one of the standout fixtures will see Middlesbrough travel to Leeds.

Not only is it vital given the contrasting form between the sides, but it has that added spice with Garry Monk returning to Elland Road, with the Boro boss sure to get a very hostile reception.

However, writing in his regular Sky Sports column, EFL pundit David Prutton reckons that he will head back to Teesside with the all-important three points.

The ex-Leeds midfielder has predicted a 2-1 win for Boro with top goalscorer Brit Assombalonga opening the scoring.

A victory would be the North East club's fourth on the bounce after a strong recent run that has seen them move into the play-offs.

The pre-season title favourites are just beginning to show the kind of form many expected before a ball was kicked.

Meanwhile, for the hosts, the pressure is really on boss Thomas Christiansen. The Whites have lost six of their previous seven games and despite topping the table in January, they now sit 10th and will be desperate for a win to kickstart a revival.

Christiansen's men travel to current league leaders Wolves next so things won't be getting any easier either.

The Verdict

Despite Leeds' woeful run they will be competitive at a voiceferous Elland Road on Sunday, but as Prutton's prediction suggests, the visitors might have that extra bit of quality.

That's understandable given the huge summer spend that took place and it's resulted in Boro having one of the strongest squads in the league.

Should the EFL pundits prediction come off the pressure really will be ramped up on Thomas Christiansen who needs to arrest this decline as soon as possible.

Thoughts, Leeds and Boro fans? What will the score be on Sunday? Let us know in the comments below.