Middlesbrough are now without a win in four Championship games after their frustrating 2-1 defeat at Preston. Here are the major talking points to arise from the loss at Deepdale:

The issue is 'obvious' - but the fix isn't as clear

In their last three outings, Middlesbrough have had 51 shots - but only 12 have been on target and they've only scored three goals.

Michael Carrick's side are bossing possession and territory but continue to lack the cutting edge and final third ideas to make their dominance count.

"We have to do something about it," said Carrick pitchside post-match at Preston.

Like what, he was asked.

"That's a pretty obvious question, isn't it," he said.

Yes, the issues that are plaguing Boro are obvious, the fix less so, especially when it comes to the forward line.

The imminent return of Emmanuel Latte Lath is a major boost but Carrick stressed the importance of being "careful" with the striker, wise words after his recent injuries. A fit and firing Latte Lath is needed right now, for Sam Greenwood hasn't convinced as a centre forward and while Isaiah Jones is out, Carrick looks unlikely to shift Marcus Forss into a central role.

But is it fair and realistic to pin all hopes on the returning Latte Lath? Or does Carrick need to tweak things? He admitted himself after Wednesday night's defeat that he's "going round in circles" before seemingly admitting that at least tinkering with the approach is something that has crossed his mind. There needs to be a balance, though, he says, in finding a short-term fix while sticking with the principles that he believes in long-term.

Alarming defensive stat

While much of the recent focus has understandably centred around the forward line, there's an issue at the back that needs addressing. Only twice since Carrick's arrival have Boro managed to keep a clean sheet away from home in the Championship - Blackpool last season and Sunderland this.

Boro's success under Carrick has never been built on the most solid defensive foundations but, to labour a point that has been made on several occasions this term, last season that wasn't a major issue because of the amount of goals in the side.

This season, with goals harder to come by, the lack of clean sheets has been damaging. The sloppy goals conceded - particularly when Boro are falling behind - puts further pressure on a faltering forward line that needs a striker to play off.

Added frustration comes from the fact Boro, for long stages in games, are rock solid defensively, but as Carrick admitting on Wednesday night "moments are killing us."

Take the Preston opener, which was avoidable on several levels.

Is it a concentration thing? Or structural? Or is it just an inevitable flaw of Carrick's approach? Whatever the cause, it's proving costly.

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One big plus point

In his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Carrick talked up the importance of Riley McGree.

Handed his first start since returning from the Asian Cup, the Australian international proved the head coach right.

In the second half in particular at Preston he pulled the strings and the returning Latte Lath will no doubt be licking his lips at the prospect of linking up with McGree for what will hopefully be a prolonged spell for the first time this season.

A word, too, for Finn Azaz, who endured something of a frustrating opening period but didn't let his head drop, and was rewarded for his positivity and persistence with his superb second half goal. McGree on top form and Azaz at full speed, on the evidence of his Plymouth spell, can both be key as Boro look to get back on track.

Time for a Dieng recall?

Tom Glover agreed that it was best he wasn't part of the Australia squad for the Asian Cup, such was his desire to make a success of his opportunity in the Boro side in the absence of Seny Dieng.

And on the whole, Glover has done OK. He was superb in the FA Cup tie against Aston Villa, kept a clean sheet against West Brom and was only denied another one at Rotherham by that complete fluke of a winner.

But he was shaky in both Chelsea cup ties, made a costly error against Sunderland and was unconvincing at Preston. He should have done better with North End's opener and although he was hardly troubled for the rest of his night, his distribution wasn't great.

Dieng has been back in the squad for the last couple of games. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him recalled at Leicester.

On the subject of Leicester

It's clearly the ultimate Championship test - not just this term but perhaps in any second tier season.

Kieran Scott revealed last week that in a recent conversation, one official at a club elsewhere told of his belief that this current Leicester side would finish in the Premier League's top 10 this season. It's hard to disagree. And on current form, it's hard to envisage Boro getting anything on Saturday.

If, however, they can pull off a surprise result, it would be the ultimate boost and could perhaps spark Carrick's side into life as was the case with the victory over Southampton earlier in the season.

Boro need a springboard as they look to stop the rot.