Middlesbrough
WolvesMiddlesbrough welcome Wolves to the Riverside Stadium for a Championship Round 9 fixture that pits third against fourth. Boro have taken 15 points from eight matches, while Wolves are a point behind with a game in hand. Both sides are in the promotion-play-off places, giving the meeting an early-season significance beyond the table alone.
Middlesbrough arrive unbeaten in five league games, though three of those have ended in draws. Wolves have won two of their last three in the league and will look to make their game in hand count.
Boro's unbeaten run meets Wolves' winning habit
Middlesbrough's recent league sequence includes wins over QPR and Norwich, but also draws with Burnley, Millwall and Birmingham. The 4-3 home victory over Norwich showed their attacking threat, while the 2-2 draw at Birmingham was a reminder of how often they have been pegged back.
Wolves, by contrast, have mixed results. They beat Stoke 4-1 and followed that with a 4-2 defeat at West Ham, then drew 2-2 at Birmingham before away and home wins over Sheffield United and West Brom. That pattern makes them dangerous but less predictable.
Lopez stands out as Jimenez misses out
Fernando Lopez has been Wolves' leading recent performer in attacking midfield, with Toti and Andre also among their stronger players. Middlesbrough's Luke Ayling has been a steady presence at centre-back, while Sebastian Berhalter and Will Lankshear have caught the eye. Team news will shape the contest.
Middlesbrough are without Alfie Jones because of a calf injury. Wolves are missing Raul Jimenez with a knee problem, along with Yerson Mosquera and Rafiki Said, who are sidelined by ankle and knee injuries respectively.
Wolves have edge in latest meetings
Middlesbrough have won six of the last 10 meetings between the clubs, with Wolves victorious four times and no draws. Recent history is more balanced, however. Wolves won the last two, including a 2-1 victory at the Riverside in 2018 and a 1-0 home win a year earlier.
Before that, Middlesbrough had won three straight in the fixture. Seven of the last 10 meetings produced more than two goals, underlining the fixture's tendency to open up.
Broadcast details for Middlesbrough vs Wolves
Stake carries the match worldwide. In the United States, Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo provide coverage. Viaplay is the broadcaster in Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden.