Boro hope to outclass Posh

Middlesbrough travel to bottom club Peterborough United this weekend aiming to reignite their promotion challenge following three defeats in their last four games.

Boro could be boosted by the return of defenders Jonathan Woodgate and George Friend together with Belgian midfielder Faris Haroun, who have all resumed training but will require late checks.

But longer-term injury-victims Julio Arca (toe), Mustapha Carayol (knee), Curtis Main (knee) and Rhys Williams (ankle) remain unavailable for the fourth-placed visitors.

"Peterborough's statistics suggest they're struggling and yet they look like they can score a goal to me," manager Tony Mowbray warned Boro's official website. "I've watched them and they play quite expansive football.

"They've taken some heavy defeats recently but they're professional and hardworking and they'll see this as an opportunity to get some points at home," he added. "We have to make sure we negate their strong points, and there are a good few of them. Attacking, they've got some strong players, and we have to put pressure on our perception of their weaknesses."

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson can once again include midfielder Michael Bostwick having served his three-match suspension.

But on loan striker Saido Berahino has returned to West Bromwich Albion with a chipped bone in his knee, although Tommy Rowe has recovered from an ankle problem.

Otherwise, both Kgosi Ntlhe and Peter Grant remain sidelined for the hosts, who are currently four points away from safety.

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