PREM: Middlesbrough v Manchester City preview

Middlesbrough v Manchester City preview

Middlesbrough have doubts over Daniel Ayala, Victor Valdes and Grant Leadbitter ahead of their contest with Manchester City.

Defender Ayala was withdrawn in the win over Sunderland in midweek having twisted his ankle and is rated as doubtful, as are goalkeeper Valdes (ribs) and midfielder Leadbitter (hamstring) - both of whom were not in the squad on Wednesday.

Boro do have Gaston Ramirez available again following the suspension he served for his dismissal against Bournemouth. 

Manchester City are likely to be without Claudio Bravo after the goalkeeper suffered a calf injury against Manchester United on Thursday.

There are fears the Chilean may not play again this season, meaning a probable return for Willy Caballero.Uncertainty remains over playmaker David Silva (hamstring) and centre-back John Stones (leg) but right-back Bacary Sagna is fit again. 

Striker Gabriel Jesus, a late substitute against United after more than two months out with a broken foot, will hope to step up his comeback. 

Teams

Middlesbrough (from): Guzan, Konstantopoulos, Barragan, Friend, Fabio, Chambers, Gibson, Espinosa, Ayala, Husband, Fry, De Roon, Clayton, Forshaw, Leadbitter, Guedioura, Downing, Ramirez, Stuani, Traore, Fischer, Negredo, Gestede, Bamford. 

Manchester City (from): Caballero, Gunn, Zabaleta, Sagna, Otamendi, Kompany, Stones, Clichy, Kolarov, Toure, Fernando, Fernandinho, Delph, Garcia, De Bruyne, Silva, Sterling, Sane, Nolito, Navas, Aguero, Jesus, Iheanacho.