Middlesbrough play host to Wigan Athletic on Boxing Day looking for the win which could move the club into the top half of the Championship standings.
Meanwhile, the Latics make the trip to the Riverside Stadium looking to deliver Kolo Toure's first victory in charge at the third attempt.
Match preview
© Reuters
When Michael Carrick was appointed as Middlesbrough's new boss, his lack of managerial experience was pushed to the side because there was an acceptance that they had pulled off a significant coup in acquiring his services.
As it stands, that perception has proven correct, the former Manchester United coach collecting 13 points from his seven matches in charge.
A three-match winning streak came to an end last time out as a second-half rally from leaders Burnley condemned Boro to a 3-1 defeat at Turf Moor.
Nevertheless, regardless of Middlesbrough still sitting in 14th spot and being just six points above the relegation zone, negativity at the Riverside Stadium is now minimal.
Of course, that could change, but if Middlesbrough can defeat Wigan and Blackburn Rovers in their next two games, they will be a maximum of six points adrift of their next opponents, who currently occupy third position.
Wigan are hoping that the appointment of Toure will lead to an upturn in fortunes, the Ivorian tasked with trying to move the Latics away from the relegation zone.
However, the new head coach has just one point from two matches, even if there should be caution from judging that start with Millwall and Sheffield United their opponents.
Wigan only lost 2-1 to the latter, the current second-placed team in the division, but they only remained in the contest through a goal which was a yard offside.
For Toure and his squad, he will only be looking ahead, and while a trip to Middlesbrough represents a tougher fixture than they would have wanted at this stage, Wigan can play with a certain sense of freedom versus opponents who now have increasing expectations on their shoulders.
Team News
© Reuters
Having netted as a substitute last time out, Duncan Watmore is in line for a recall to the Middlesbrough XI.
Marcus Forss will likely drop to the substitutes' bench in what could prove to be the only alteration made by Carrick.
Toure must decide whether to take any risks with the hamstring injury that Jack Whatmough sustained during the first half versus Sheffield United.
If, as expected, he misses out, Rarmani Edmonds-Green is in line to feature, although Toure has acknowledged that youngster Charlie Hughes is pushing for an opportunity.
Ryan Nyambe may be provided with a chance at right-back, while Jordan Cousins is also in contention for a recall.
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Steffen; Smith, Fry, Lenihan, Giles; Howson, Hackney; Jones, Akpom, McGree; Watmore
Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:
Jones; Nyambe, Edmonds-Green, Tilt, Bennett; Power, Naylor; Lang, Keane, McClean; Broadhead
We say: Middlesbrough 3-1 Wigan Athletic
Middlesbrough have sometimes failed to impress at home this season and their record at the Riverside Stadium will hand encouragement to Wigan. Nevertheless, Boro are a different team under Carrick and should eventually have too much quality for their struggling opponents.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
