Millwall v Middlesbrough

Last updated : 18 February 2011 By BBC Sport

Millwall's injury problems are easing, with defenders Tony Craig (back) and Darren Ward (ankle) likely to be available along with Hameur Bouazza.Midfielder Tamika Mkandawire is also on the mend after a muscle strain and will have a late fitness test, but Josh McQuoid (ankle) is still sidelined.

Middlesbrough are hoping Andrew Taylor (hamstring) and Julio Arca (toe) are passed fit to return.

Tarmo Kink has had a virus but could also rejoin the squad.

MATCH PREVIEW

Millwall have enjoyed six consecutive victories at The Den - the Championship's longest home winning run of the season - and have not lost at home to Middlesbrough since October 1973.

They have also beaten Boro twice already this season, having knocked them out of the Carling Cup in August and then won at the Riverside Stadium in November. The Teessiders could be forgiven for being sick of the sight of them.

Another victory against them would help the Lions' play-off bid, which has been boosted by on-loan forward Kevin Lisbie netting last-minute goals in both their last two matches. Those strikes have gained Millwall four potentially vital points.

Boro are in a battle at the other end of the table. Since Tony Mowbray's arrival as boss they have shown signs of improvement, but have not managed to climb out of the bottom seven. They have also only taken a paltry two points from 11 away matches this season against teams currently above them in the table.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Middlesbrough have won 14 and Millwall 11 of the 31 previous league encounters between these clubs.

• A win for the Lions would complete their first league 'double' over Boro since the 1967/68 season.

• A goal for Millwall would be their 50th against Boro.

Millwall

• Thirty-four of Millwall's 46 points have been gained from matches in which they have kept clean sheets.

• The Lions have lost all seven league games in which they have conceded more than one goal.

• A win on Saturday would complete their second league 'double' of the campaign. They have already beaten south London rivals Crystal Palace both home and away.

• Jimmy Abdou is set to make his 100th league start for the club.

Middlesbrough

• Boro have lost their last two games, and half of their Championship matches this term (15 of 30).

• Julio Arca is set to make his 100th league start for the Teesside club.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport