Middlesbrough v Swansea

Last updated : 11 February 2011 By BBC Sport

Midfielder Barry Robson could return to the Boro squad after recovering from a gashed ankle, while Marvin Emnes hopes to feature following a groin problem.Tarmo Kink may return from illness and Mickael Tavares a fractured toe, but Joe Bennett (leg), Julio Arca (toe) and Andrew Taylor (hamstring) are doubts.

Swansea midfielder Joe Allen has recovered from a groin strain and will be pushing for a starting place.

Garry Monk (knee), Neil Taylor (ankle) and Andrea Orlandi (thigh) are out.

MATCH PREVIEW

Swansea are looking to bounce back from Sunday's home defeat against South Wales rivals Cardiff, which was their first loss in four league games. That result left the Swans in fifth place, two points outside the automatic promotion spots - their lowest position since mid-October.

A win on Saturday would be a much-needed boost for Brendan Rodgers' side in the wake of that setback. It would also be the club's first win on Teesside for 49 years, and only their third ever victory against Middlesbrough.

Boro are also looking to atone for a defeat. They went down 1-0 at fellow strugglers Crystal Palace last weekend, which ended a six-match unbeaten run and checked their climb away from trouble.

But they are still six points clear of the relegation zone, and will be pleased to return to the Riverside Stadium, where they are unbeaten in five league games. Boro have failed to score in only one home match this season - a feat matched only by promotion chasers Leeds and Nottingham Forest.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• A win for Swansea would complete the club's first league double over Middlesbrough since the first season they met: 1925/26.

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• There has only been one goalless draw between these clubs (at Ayresome Park in March 1929).

Middlesbrough

• Middlesbrough have won two and drawn three matches at the Riverside Stadium since their last home defeat (against Millwall on 20 November).

• Only nine players have scored league goals for Boro this season.

Swansea

• Championship matches involving Swansea this season have generated 64 goals - an average of 2.13 goals per game, which is the lowest in the division.

• Swansea have won all nine matches in which they have scored more than one goal.

• A defeat for City would leave them with 11 losses this season - as many as they suffered throughout the whole of last term.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport