Under the biting chill of a Teesside evening, Riverside Stadium prepares to host a clash defined by diverging destinies. Middlesbrough, flying high in second and chasing the EFL Championship crown, find themselves in a position of strength despite a recent goalless stalemate with Oxford United. In stark contrast, Leicester City arrive as a wounded animal.
The appointment of Gary Rowett has offered a glimmer of tactical steel, evidenced by a spirited 2-2 draw at Stoke City. Nonetheless, the Foxes remain mired in 22nd place; fighting a desperately unpredictability battle for survival.
History between Foxes and Smoggies
​Historical precedent offers little comfort for the traveling Foxes faithful. A delve into the archives at 11vs11 reveals a rivalry of remarkable parity, yet one where the hosts have recently held the upper hand. Since their first encounter over 100 years ago, the two sides have locked horns 99 times, with Boro claiming 31 victories to LCFC's 34.
"They [Boro] have the third best home record in the league having won ten and drawn four of their 16 games at The Riverside."LCFC Live
Crucially, the Foxes have failed to best the Smoggies in their last five attempts. A run of futility they must break to finally ignite another great escape.
Television and streaming details
​For those watching from afar, the drama unfolds at 19:45pm GMT this Tuesday, February 24. You can catch the two's 100th meeting broadcast live on Sky Sports Football. While international supporters can access the action via the clubs' respective streaming platforms.
Fitness nightmare
​Rowett's selection headache is less a puzzle and more a crisis, with up to nine players sidelined. The treatment room is at capacity: housing Jannik Vestergaard, Harry Souttar, Jamaal Lascelles and Hamza Choudhury.
Further misery followed the weekend as Jordan James, Aaron Ramsey and Victor Kristiansen were ruled out. Meanwhile stars Abdul Fatawu and Jordan Ayew remain doubts.
Expected Leicester City lineup
​The predicted LCFC XI likely sees Asmir Begovic protected by a makeshift backline of Ricardo Pereira, Ben Nelson, Caleb Okoli, and Luke Thomas. In midfield, Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp must surely provide the pivot. An attacking trio of Stephy Mavididi, Divine Mukasa and the returning Fatawu all sitting behind the under fire for not fully firing Patson Daka.
​Score Prediction
Middlesbrough 3-2 Leicester City, unfortunately.