Key Highlights
- Middlesbrough aims to secure their fourth consecutive league win against Preston North End.
- Boro are looking to put pressure on promotion rivals Ipswich Town, Hull City, and Coventry City.
- Preston head into the match off the back of three defeats but still hold a solid seventh place in the table.
- Kim Hellberg and Craig Johns provide analysis on both teams’ upcoming fixtures and strategies.
Match Preview: Middlesbrough vs Preston North End
Middlesbrough FC is set to face a significant challenge as they host Preston North End in the Championship. The match, which kicks off early on January 24, 2026, presents an opportunity for Boro to maintain their momentum and solidify their position among the automatic promotion spots.
Boro have been in impressive form, winning their last three league matches and showing a strong resolve that has put them at the forefront of promotion race. However, their recent victory over Premier League Fulham serves as a reminder that they must be cautious against lower-ranked teams to avoid any slip-ups.
Key Team News
Both Boro and Preston have made significant changes for this critical encounter. Middlesbrough have announced four alterations to their starting lineup, with key players like Dael Fry making his first appearance since November 8. Other notable inclusions are Callum Brittain and Riley McGree, who return from injury.
Meanwhile, Preston North End will field a strong team led by captain Walton, featuring players such as Devine and Dobbin. Their recent poor form suggests they might be looking for a turnaround on their performance to secure a positive result against Boro.
Strategic Insights
Kim Hellberg of Middlesbrough offered an insightful preview, emphasizing the importance of bringing energy and performing at their best despite the quick turnaround from their previous match. He highlighted that Preston is an aggressive team with different playing styles compared to West Bromwich Albion and Southampton, which will require a strategic approach from Boro.
Craig Johns provided his thoughts on Middlesbrough’s upcoming fixtures, noting that Paul Heckingbottom’s preparation for the game against Preston is crucial. He expressed optimism about an entertaining match and acknowledged the strong support of Middlesbrough’s away fans, which could contribute to a positive atmosphere at the Riverside.
Live Updates
The live updates will bring you all the action from the Riverside stadium. Boro’s Kim Hellberg teased that a few players could return from injury, with Callum Brittain and Riley McGree confirmed for the match. However, key figures like Strelec and Sene remain out of contention.
With Preston coming off three consecutive defeats, their visit to Boro presents an opportunity to bounce back. The match promises to be a tough test as both teams aim to secure valuable points in their ongoing pursuit of promotion.
Join us for live updates from the Riverside as Middlesbrough and Preston North End clash in a crucial Championship fixture on January 24, 2026.
