Middlesbrough have had a sensational start to this season, and arguably one of the most consistent performers in the Championship so far. Aitor Karanka didn't start off great last season, but now he has had the time to implement his plans and his ideas and this is now showing on the pitch and the results Middlesbrough are now getting. Middlesbrough currently sit 4th in the Championship just three points off top spot. They have recorded eleven wins, six draws and and five defeats. Last time out however, Middlesbrough did fall to a 2-0 defeat away to Ipswich Town. Karanka criticized his players performances and claimed it was one of the worst he had seen since taking charge. He thought that his team believed they were a 'Champions League team' after the 2-0 win over Derby County. This defeat may have reduced confidence within the Middlesbrough camp, maybe giving Forest some hope on Boxing Day. In comparison, Forest's season has collapsed dramatically since being top for majority of the beginning of the season. Forest haven't recorded a win since their 3-0 win over Wolves at Molineux on the 22nd November. It has been a run of one defeat and three draws. It has been the amount of draws for Forest which have made their league position suffer. They have to start turning those draws into wins in order to push themselves back up the league table. Last time out Forest drew 1-1 at home to Leeds United which was a very disappointing result not helped by some shocking decisions from the officials.
Forest old boy Patrick Bamford celebrates putting Middlesbrough 1-0 up against Forest's arch rivals Derby County.
Forest have no fresh injury concerns ahead of this match, with more positive news on the long-term absentees. Jack Hobbs returned to full training a couple of days ago, but is very unlikely to be part of the match day squad. Stuart Pearce also revealed that Andy Reid will be returning to full training next week. Having both of those players back fully fit will be a huge boost to the team and maybe be the start of a good run of results. Forest will have to nullify the threat from former player Patrick Bamford if they are to return with anything from the Riverside.
My prediction for this game is Middlesbrough 4-0 Nottingham Forest. I think this will be the hardest game Forest have faced so far this season and I therefore can't see them coming home with anything from the game. I think Patrick Bamford, Albert Adomah and others will cause the Forest defence all sorts of problems. It is a shame that Jack Hobbs isn't back in time for this game as he would make the defence a lot more solid. However, you never know what might happen in the Championship, and there are usually a couple of freak results on Boxing Day.
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