Blackpool v Middlesbrough

Last updated : 15 February 2010 By The Seasider

Boro midfielder Gary O'Neil could also return after a groin injury and Emanuel Pogatetz following a virus.

Manager Gordon Strachan will monitor the fitness of striker Chris Killen, who has been struggling with a hamstring strain and could miss out.

MATCH PREVIEW

While in-form Middlesbrough have been closing in on the top six, Ian Holloway's Blackpool side have been battling in vain to stay in it.

The Tangerines have not won in five matches and have dropped to ninth, whereas eighth-placed Boro are unbeaten in six and are now only two points off the play-off spots.

Blackpool have been unable to find the net in both their last two matches, which is a setback for a team that had previously failed to score in only three league games this season.

Boro have been making steady progress under Gordon Strachan and have won their last two matches. Another three points would mean three consecutive victories for the Teessiders for the first time since August.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Blackpool's 3-0 win at the Riverside Stadium in December was their biggest win against Boro in 42 years.

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• That victory also gives the club a chance to record its first ever league double over Middlesbrough.

• The Teessiders have won two and drawn one of their last three visits to Blackpool, and have lost on only one of six trips to Bloomfield Road over four decades.

Blackpool

• Blackpool's 3-2 win against Watford on 23 January is their only victory in 10 matches.

• Ian Holloway's side have conceded five goals in the first five minutes of Championship matches this season - more than any other team.

• They have also had more attempts on goal (447) and hit the woodwork (18) more than any other Championship side.

• Jason Euell could play against one of his former clubs and Ben Burgess could make his 250th league start.

Middlesbrough

• Boro's current six-game run without a defeat is their longest unbeaten sequence of the campaign.

• They boast the longest scorers list in the division, with 43 goals shared between 16 different players (excluding one own goal).

• Boro have not kept a clean sheet in nine successive away league games.

MOST RECENT MEETING

Middlesbrough 0-3 Blackpool (8 December 2009)

Blackpool scorers: Taylor-Fletcher 21, 26, Adam 83.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport