Woodgate sends Leeds United warning, Marcelo Bielsa's selection headache, Whites looking to break Middlesbrough duck as hosts endure terrible run - four things

In case you've missed any of the build-up to tonight's game at the Riverside, we've rounded up the headlines as the Whites make the short trip to the North East.

Jonathan Woodgate sends Whites message

The Middlesbrough head coach believes his side can beat the Whites, and says they will give a better account of themselves than they did in the reverse fixture at Elland Road.

"What a big game to play in against a vibrant Leeds United," Woodgate said.

"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."

Middlesbrough's woes

No win in nine and without a victory since New Year's Day.

A poor run of form as seen Woodgate's men plunged into a relegation battle.

The hosts now sit just three points above the Championship drop zone following defeats to Barnsley and Luton Town - who are both below them - in recent weeks.

Woodgate's last win in league action came against Preston North End on the opening day of 2020.

Marcelo Bielsa waiting on duo

Goalkeeper Kiko Casilla damaged his fingers in Saturday’s win over Reading at Elland Road and defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips hobbled off after taking a kick on his calf.

The availability of both players is dependent on the pain they would have to cope with to play through, here's what Bielsa had to say.

“With both players I am optimistic,” said Bielsa.

“[For Phillips] it’s a kick. Depending if the pain disappears, the same situation as Kiko.

“[Kiko] has a problem but maybe he plays.

“That depends on the level of the pain, but if he can support the level of the pain I think he is going to play.”

United looking for Riverside win

Leeds are winless at the Riverside since February 2015.

Two defeats and one draw have come in that five-year period, with the hosts having spent a season in the Premier League.

United's last victory came through a solitary Alex Mowatt strike in a 1-0 win in the North East.

The Whites are aiming to complete a double over the hosts in league action for only the second time in 18 seasons.