Not many would have predicted that Burnley would be top of the Championship going into the Boxing Day fixtures, but that is the position that Sean Dyche's men find themselves in.
Having embarked on a run of three matches without a win, the Clarets travel to Middlesbrough following a sequence of results that has seen them collect seven points from a possible nine.
What's more, Dyche has no fresh injury or suspension concerns for the match at the Riverside, with the only absentee being Ross Wallace because of a knee complaint.
However, the same cannot be said for his opposite number Aitor Karanka. Jonathan Woodgate and Grant Leadbitter have been rated doubtful, while injuries could also rule out Rhys Williams, Frazer Richardson and Andrew Halliday.
Burnley have made the trip to Teeside on 27 occasions, winning just five times.
Recent form
Middlesbrough: LWLDLW
Burnley: DLDWDW
Possible starting lineups
Middlesbrough: Given; Varga, Gibson, Ayala, Friend; Adomah, Whitehead, Smallwood, Carayol; Emnes, Main
Burnley: Heaton; Trippier, Mee, Shackell, Duff; Kightly, Marney, Arfield, Jones; Ings, Vokes
Sports Mole says: 1-1
Liam Apicella
