The Premier League champions Leicester City desperately need a result away at Middlesbrough in the day’s early kick-off.
Middlesbrough were beaten late on away at Manchester United on New Years Eve, despite Grand Leadbitter’s opener.
Two goals in a matter of minutes from Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba earned United a fifth consecutive victory.
Leicester City ended their amazing year with a much needed victory as they edged past West Ham United.
Islam Slimani scored the only goal as they opened up a gap between themselves and the bottom three.
Enhanced match odds
Leicester City to beat Middlesbrough: 8/1 with Paddy Power*
Premier League form: Middlesbrough W1 D0 L4; Leicester City W2 D1 L2
Premier League top scorers
Middlesbrough – Alvaro Negredo 5 goals
Leicester City – Islam Slimani & Jamie Vardy 5 goals each
Match history
The meeting between the pair earlier in the season finished 2-2, with Leicester twice rallying from a goal down.
Alvaro Negredo scored twice for Boro, however penalties from the Algerian duo of Riyad Mahrez and Slimani earned a point for Leicester.
Last five league meetings (Championship unless stated)
Leicester City 2 Middlesbrough 2 (Premier League) – 26/11/16
Leicester City 2 Middlesbrough 0 – 25/01/14
Middlesbrough 1 Leicester City 2 – 03/08/13
Leicester City 1 Middlesbrough 0 – 18/01/13
Middlesbrough 1 Leicester City 2 – 29/09/12
Under 2.5 goals – 8/13 with Sky Bet
Team news
Antonio Barragan is back following from suspension and is set to start from full-back here.
Leadbitter is likely to be rotated out here despite his goal against United, having just returned from a lengthy injury.
Jamie Vardy serves the final of a three game ban, meaning Slimani will continue, most likely as a lone striker.
With this Leicester’s second game in three days, the full-backs are likely to be rotated here.
Expected starting XI’s
Middlesbrough (4-3-3): Valdes; Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Friend; De Roon, Clayton, Forshaw; Stuani, Negredo, Downing
Leicester City (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel; Hernandez, Huth, Morgan, Fuchs; Amartey, Drinkwater; Albrighton, Mahrez, Musa; Slimani
Predictions
Result: Middlesbrough (9/5 with Bet Victor)
Correct Score: 1-0 (7/1 with Bet Victor)
Anytime Goalscorer: Alvaro Negredo (2/1 with Sky Bet)
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