MATTHEW Bates and Barry Robson are back in the Middlesbrough side for today's top-of-the-table clash at Southampton.
Bates has shaken off a foot injury and will partner Rhys Williams at the heart of the back four, with Stephen McManus dropping to the bench.
Robson returns from suspension having missed last weekend's win over Derby, with his replacement in that game, Merouane Zemmama, relegated to the role of substitute.
Tony Mowbray is expected to field a 4-4-2 formation at St Mary's, with Justin Hoyte starting at left-back and Joe Bennett lining up in midfield.
SOUTHAMPTON (4-4-2): Davis; Butterfield, Hooieveld, Fonte, Fox; Cork, Chaplow, Hammond, Lallana; Do Prado, Lambert.
Subs: Bialkowski (gk), Schneiderlin, Martin, Connolly, De Ridder.
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Steele; McMahon, Bates, R Williams, Hoyte; Robson, Bailey, Arca, Bennett; Emnes, McDonald.
Subs: McManus, Haroun, Zemmama, Nimely, Ogbeche.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here