The Season So Far
The Championship’s top team remain unbeaten in the league since the start of November and this is their first visit to Griffin Park since the two sides met here in the Play-Offs last season.
A rocky start to the season was followed by taking maximum points in September as well as Cup wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United. Boro have earned seven wins and a draw from their previous eight league games, although they were beaten last time out by Burnley in the Emirates FA Cup.
The squad was bolstered in the summer by three permanent signings; Christian Stuani [Espanyol], Stewart Downing [West Ham United] and David Nugent [Leicester City]. They also brought in a trio of loanees. Fernando Amorebieta joined from Fulham, Diego Fabbrini from newly promoted Watford and Tomas Kalas from Chelsea.
Going the other way, young goalkeeper Connor Ripley was lent to Motherwell and Rhys Williams joined Charlton Athletic. Lee Tomlin [AFC Bournemouth], Emmanuel Ledesma [Rotherham United] and Luke Williams [Scunthorpe United] left on permanent deals. Major League Soccer team Orlando City decided to pick up the option on Seb Hines’ contract, after a successful season in the United States.
The Club recently announced the departures of Mustapha Carayol and James Husband in loan deals to Leeds United and Huddersfield Town respectively. They will also be without Alex Baptiste, who has missed most of the season through injury.
The Gaffer
After three years as assistant manager to Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, Aitor Karanka was appointed manager of Boro in November 2013. He is the first non-British man in charge at The Riverside in their history.
The 42-year-old played as a defender for Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid and Colorado Rapids before pursuing a career in management. Capped once by Spain, he also represented his country at youth level alongside the likes of Fernando Morientes and Raúl.
The officials
Match Referee: Gavin Ward Assistant Referees: William Bull, Michael Webb Fourth Official: Darren Deadman
Tickets
Check our ticket website for the latest availability.
You can hear live match commentary of the entire match on Bees Player from 7.15pm, with commentator Mark Burridge and co-commentator Marcus Bean.