The Bluebirds travel to Yorkshire to take on Middlesbrough in Championship action on Saturday afternoon.
The fixture will take place on January 4th, with a kick off time of 3pm.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Middlesbrough’s manager is Michael Carrick, who was appointed in October 2022.
Carrick had an impressive playing career, making 481 Premier League appearances for Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. During his playing days, he won five Premier League titles, one Champions League and one FA Cup.
After retiring, Carrick stayed at Manchester United joining José Mourinho’s coaching staff. Carrick stayed at the Red Devils as a coach until December 2021, when he departed after a short spell as Caretaker Manager.
In October 2022, Carrick joined Middlesbrough as manager. Boro were sat 21st in the Championship at the time of Carrick’s appointment, the Englishman dragged his side up the table to a fourth-place finish, losing in the Play-Off Semi-Finals to Coventry City.
The following season, Boro finished in eighth place and reached the EFL Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2004.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR
Boro go into this weekend’s game currently sat fifth in the Sky Bet Championship.
Carrick’s men have been prolific in front of goal this season, scoring 45 league goals this campaign, the second most in the division behind Leeds United.
Last time out, the side faced Hull City at the MKM Stadium and secured all three points in dramatic fashion.
Unable to find a breakthrough until the 93rd minute, the key moment came from Alex Gilbert, who netted a late winner.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER
Boro’s key player this season has been Emmanuel Latte Lath, who joined from Atalanta in August 2023.
Last season Latte Lath lead the line for Carrick’s side, scoring 16 times in 30 games.
The Ivory Coast international has continued his fine scoring form this season netting nine times in 25 league appearances.
STATZONE
Saturday will be the 74th time the two sides have met.
The first contest was back in 1921, when the Bluebirds defeated Middlesbrough 3-1 in the Welsh capital.
Since then, City have gone on to beat Boro 33 more times, with there being 13 draws and Middlesbrough coming out winners 27 times.