Reading have no new injuries and are still without long-term absentees Noel Hunt, Chris Armstrong, Jem Karacan and Kalifa Cisse.
Striker Shane Long is hoping to again get the nod ahead of Simon Church and Grzegorz Rasiak.
MATCH PREVIEW
Having had 38 staples in his groin following a hernia operation earlier this season, these days it probably takes an awful lot to make Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil wince.
But he was left red-faced this week, when it emerged that his girlfriend had posted an update on Facebook joking that she hoped Boro would continue losing so O'Neil could go on holiday with her at the end of the season rather than be involved in the play-offs.
And barring a sudden upturn in Boro's fortunes, O'Neil will be heading for the beach rather than Wembley come May. Gordon Strachan's side have won only one of their last six matches, and are now five places and six points below the play-off spots.
They are only two points ahead of Reading, who have turned their season around. They have been battling against relegation for much of the season but a win on Saturday would be their fifth consecutive victory and take them above Boro in the table.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Seven of the 17 league matches between these clubs have been drawn. Middlesbrough have won six and Reading four.
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• In eight of the last 14 league meetings between these clubs - including the last two - the team playing at home has failed to score.
Middlesbrough
• Boro, who have drawn their last two games 2-2, are unbeaten in seven home matches.
• They have scored 19 home goals, which is only four more than Swansea, who are the lowest home scorers in the Championship.
• Barry Robson is hoping to score in his third consecutive Middlesbrough match and get his fifth goal in as many games.
• If selected, Leroy Lita will be facing his former club and making his 150th career league start.
• Justin Hoyte and David Wheater are set to make their 150th club career appearances.
Reading
• Reading have won eight of their last nine matches.
• Another victory would make it their longest winning sequence for 15 months.
• This match is the Royals' first away from home since a 2-0 defeat to Blackpool on 20 February.
• Sheffield United are the only club to have beaten Reading both home and away this season.
MOST RECENT MEETING
Reading 0-2 Middlesbrough (3 October 2009)
Boro scorers: St Ledger 12, Lita 55.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport