Cardiff City v Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough complete their away programme with a visit to Cardiff City on Monday afternoon (kick-off 5.15pm). While the visitors effectively have nothing really to play for their opponents are still in the shake-up for an automatic promotion place as they continue to contest second place with Norwich City.

"At the start, the pressure's on us because we need to win," Cardiff midfielder Whittingham told BBC Sport Wales. "If we don't, we know if they win then it's all over. If we can get three points on the board then they're going to know about it as we will have gone into second and it will throw a lot of pressure on them and see if they can handle it."

"They have some very talented individuals and I'm sure it will be virtually a full house," manager Tony Mowbray told Boro's official website. "I've been in that position as both a player and as a coach and you've just got to get over the line. We'll try to ask them a few questions. We've scored enough goals away from home and we'll hope to win a game that's got a lot riding on it for them. It's never easy for a team in that position and we'll try to relax and hope to spoil it for them. It's a huge game for them and it's a good test for us."

Cardiff should welcome back goalkeeper Stephen Bywater and defender Lee Naylor has also returned to training. Keeper David Marshall is definitely out with an elbow injury.

The Welsh international carries a huge reputation with him and needs no real introduction.

Striker Scott McDonald is doubtful with the hamstring problem he picked up in the recent win at Hull City. Defenders Stephen McManus and Tony McMahon also need checks on ankle injuries.

Welcome return to the side recently following a long absence with injury.

Middlesbrough have been defeated on each of their last six visits to Cardiff, who have won 26 and lost 15 of the previous 52 encounters. However, Boro will be seeking a first league double over them in almost half-a-century.

G. Scott (Oxfordshire)

Middlesbrough - Doncaster (H); Cardiff - Burnley (A)

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