Middlesbrough and Bristol City, who both achieved good results in the Championship last season, are closely matched this season due to the competitive nature of the division.
Despite being seven places apart in the Championship table, only three points separate the two teams before their upcoming match at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.
Middlesbrough suffered a 2-1 defeat against Watford in their last game before the international break, while Bristol City ended with a 1-1 draw against Cardiff City.
Team news
Possible absentees for Middlesbrough include Dael Fry, Darragh Lenihan, Jonny Howson, Tom Smith, and Alex Bangura.
Bristol City may have to do without players such as Sam Bell, Ayman Benarous, Rob Dickie, and Rob Atkinson.
The stats
Bristol City have already recorded five draws in the Championship this season, with their last three matches ending in draws.
In three of Bristol City's last four games in all competitions, both teams have scored.
Middlesbrough have won only two of their last five matches in all competitions, with a 1-1 draw against Preston starting this streak.
Under Michael Carrick's leadership, Middlesbrough haven't been defeated in their four home Championship games this season.
In six of the last seven meetings between these two teams, over 2.5 goals have been scored.
Prediction
There is little to be enthusiastic about regarding the current performances of both Middlesbrough and Bristol City.
Between the two teams, they have only managed to win a total of six games out of 18 matches this season, making it difficult to see them challenging for the playoffs at this stage.
Nevertheless, both teams possess talent, considering their previous top-half finishes last season.
It is probable that the teams will neutralize each other, making a draw the most likely outcome.
Although Middlesbrough have had a slightly better run this season, injuries have hindered their progress, as evidenced by their loss to Watford before the international break.
On the other hand, Bristol City have struggled to find attacking prowess but have been resilient in defense, resulting in five draws out of their nine league matches.
Their last three games ended in draws against Swansea, Sheffield Wednesday, and Cardiff before the break.
The draw against Cardiff was particularly disappointing considering their low point tally this season, and it is unlikely that Bristol City will pose a significant threat at the Riverside Stadium. A goalless draw wouldn't be surprising.