Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
TEAM NEWS
Gaston Ramirez is back in contention for Middlesbrough after missing the win over Sunderland because of suspension.
Daniel Ayala is doubtful after twisting his ankle, while Victor Valdes and Grant Leadbitter could miss out again.
Manchester City will be without goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, whose season could be over after he suffered a calf injury in the Manchester derby.
There are concerns over the fitness of David Silva and John Stones, but Bacary Sagna returns after five weeks out.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
- This will be the 100th top-flight match between Middlesbrough and Manchester City, who lead by 40 wins to 38.
- Middlesbrough have won this fixture 11 times in the Premier League, more than against any other side.
- City failed to win any of the first 14 Premier League meetings but have triumphed in four of the last seven.
Middlesbrough
- Boro’s 1-0 victory over Sunderland last time out ended a 16-game winless run – but they have lost seven of their last 11 matches (D3).
- They have not managed back-to-back wins in the same Premier League season since May 2008, when the second game was an 8-1 home victory over Manchester City.
- Middlesbrough have kept 11 league clean sheets this campaign – one more than Manchester City.
- However, they are the division’s lowest scorers with 24 goals, which is the same tally as the league’s leading marksman, Romelu Lukaku, prior to the weekend.
- Fixtures at the Riverside Stadium this season have produced 33 goals and 109 attempts on goal – the lowest figures at any Premier League venue.
Manchester City
- Manchester City have lost just once in 12 league matches but have only won two of the last seven.
- City have managed a club record 11 Premier League away wins this campaign. They only need one more point to surpass their highest ever total of away points (34) in a Premier League season.
- Sergio Aguero has scored against Middlesbrough twice already this season – in the league and FA Cup. He could equal his own club record of scoring in five consecutive Premier League away matches.
With thanks to BBC Sport
