Middlesbrough travel to Coventry where they need a win to kickstart a Play-Off charge

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Neil Warnock’s Middlesbrough are now five points off a hugely desired Play-Off spot following two games without victory – and their trip to St. Andrew’s could be exactly what they need to start a decisive run of form.

11 places separate Boro from their opponents Coventry City, which should look like a walk in the park for the visitors; if only the Championship was that easy to predict.

Warnock recently promoted midfielder Jonny Howson to club captain, where he will take the post for the remainder of the season. Many were surprised of the decision in wake of Britt Assombalonga returning to the starting XI, who has been the captain until a short time ago.

The former Cardiff City manager was asked about the decision in his pre-match press conference, and reiterated his backing for the 32-year-old.

“I think Jonny’s always been my captain when Britt’s not been on the pitch, and Paddy McNair as well has always been influential. Nothing will change there, I just felt it was the right thing to do at the time.”

Tuesday night’s visitors gained a hard-earned point against fellow Play-Off challengers Cardiff City on Saturday, but are still without a victory in their last two fixtures including a 3-1 loss at home to Bristol City.

Ashley Fletcher will miss the trip to Birmingham, but Warnock is hopeful that Yannick Bolasie will be fit enough to make the matchday squad after narrowly missing out on the trip to Cardiff. Marcus Tavernier is also expected to start, who handed his side a boost after returning last weekend.

The Sky Blues have lost just twice in their last 11 home games at St. Andrew’s, proving this is no easy place to go as second-place Brentford found out a few weeks ago – losing 2-0 thanks to a Tyler Walker double.

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Mark Robins has been working with frontman Matty Godden, as he edges ever closer to his Coventry return. The striker suffered a plantar fascia foot injury against Millwall in the New Year and was expected to miss two to three months so his comeback is on schedule.

“Matty trained on Friday and I did some work with him before we travelled, so he’s worked really hard. He will train again on Monday and then we’ll see where he’s at and then beyond that it’s up to him. I’ll see. There are bits of work that still need to be done to get him somewhere near but he won’t be long, which is a real boost for everyone.”

Julien Dacosta is an injury doubt for the game after suffering a suspected torn stomach muscle in last week’s 1-0 defeat against Swansea, alongside 18-year-old Josh Reid who signed from Ross County in January. The left-back unfortunately tore his hamstring after just two days’ training with City.

Like Middlesbrough, Coventry are without a win in their last two fixtures – falling to defeat against Swansea and playing out a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday following Matty James’ equaliser.

The former Leicester City midfielder seems to be improving every time he steps on the field, and will certainly play a key part in the remainder of the Sky Blues’ season in their fight for survival.

The win would mean just as much, or even more to the hosts as it would to Boro – City are a mere five points clear of the relegation zone with Rotherham United in 22nd. The Millers also have what could be a crucial two games in hand which could lift them above the West Midlands outfit.

Prost International’s Joe Lyons will be at St. Andrew’s on Tuesday night to report on the must-win game for both teams, with one hoping to ignite a Play-Off charge and the other stay in the Championship by the skin of their teeth.

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