Preston North End manager Alex Neil will hope to have his options increased in terms of team selection on New Year’s Day.
An eye injury kept David Nugent out of the home game against Reading on Sunday, but he could be back in contention for the visit of his former employers.
Centre half Patrick Bauer should also be back in contention after missing the last two matches with a virus. Meaning the PNE boss could have all his defensive options available to him for the first time since the start of the season.
Daniel Johnson is set for a few more weeks on the sidelines, with the knee injury he sustained in the clash with West Bromwich Albion at the beginning of December, but he and Louis Moult look like being the only absentees for the visit of Jonathan Woodgate’s Middlesbrough.
The former Leeds United centre half made one change to his side for their win over West Brom on Boxing Day, with experienced midfielder Adam Clayton coming in, sitting in front of the back three.
Britt Assombalonga, who has missed the last few games, was again absent for the victory over the Baggies, but he is getting closer to a return and could make the 18 when Boro arrive at PR1.