Read Adam Baker's big match preview, only on bcfc.co.uk.
OPPOSITION
Middlesbrough have won just three times in 14 matches since Gordon Strachan replaced Gareth Southgate at the helm. However, their most recent win was 4-1 away at Doncaster Rovers - no mean feat - and they will be buzzing with confidence ahead of the home clash with City, themselves beaten 6-0 in the week by Cardiff. Home form hasn't been Boro's strongest weapon this term so far, with defeats at the Riverside against Plymouth, Cardiff and Blackpool recently. Star winger Adam Johnson continues to make the headlines but boss Strachan insists he won't sell, despite confirming lots of interest and one official bid. Leroy Lita, the ex-City forward who left Ashton Gate for Reading in a £1m deal, is also on the books at the North East club.
MANAGER
Gordon Strachan is every interviewer's nightmare. Ask a stupid question and you get a waspish response with this Scotsman. Capped 50 times for his country, Strachan hit the heights during his playing career with Aberdeen, Manchester United and Leeds United, before ending his footballing days with Coventry - where he took his first steps into management. Five seasons at Coventry saw Strachan stave off relegation for the East Midlands several times, before they eventually dropped into the second tier and he was sacked. At Southampton he took them to an FA Cup final in 2003 and qualified for the UEFA Cup. But he resigned from St Mary's midway through the next campaign to spend time with his family. A return to Scotland followed in June 2005 to Celtic - and he guided them to three straight Scottish Premier League titles, as well as three cup victories. He left the Scottish giants after failing to make it a fourth consecutive league success, and moved to Middlesbrough in October last year.
FORM
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REFEREE
Clive Webster, from Tyne & Wear. Sent off Jamie McAllister in his last match refereeing City, as they lost 3-2 at Nottingham Forest at the back end of last season. Has never taken charge of Middlesbrough before. In 13 games this term, he has issued 28 yellow cards and two red cards.
ODDS
Middlesbrough are odds-on favourites with the bookies, bet365.com, backed at 10/11 on for victory versus the 3/1 priced on a City success. The draw is on offer at 12/5.
