Jonathan Woodgate on why Leeds United could suffer from Middlesbrough backlash and fall same way as West Brom

Four defeats and four draws from their last eight league games have left Boro fifth-bottom and just three points off the Championship's dropzone with 12 games left.

Saturday's 1-0 loss at Barnsley proved a third defeat from the side's last four games but Woodgate has highlighted how his side won 2-0 at leaders West Brom at the end of December before also winning away at high-flying Preston North End two days later.

Boro also drew at Bristol City in August as well as holding visiting Fulham to a goalless draw in October and Woodgate believes his side are capable of responding in style and shocking second-placed Leeds in Wednesday night's clash at The Riverside.

Asked at his Tuesday morning press conference if it was a good time to have a big game, Woodgate said: "That's how I look at it. What a big game to play in against a vibrant Leeds United.

"People may not think we can beat them but I think we can.

"Leeds are an exceptional team but I believe we can beat them. We beat West Brom, beat Preston, drew with Fulham, drew with Bristol City.

"We have been disappointed with results recently and performances haven’t been good enough.

"But we are looking forward to Leeds. It is a great game to bounce back in.

"We’ve been in this position before, having to go to West Brom and Preston and needing to win games."

Boro were thumped 4-0 at Elland Road in the reverse fixture in November but Woodgate said: "It was a really disappointing game. We will put a better show on than we did at Elland Road."