Sheffield Wednesday travel to Middlesbrough on Saturday looking to end a disappointing first month of the season on a high note. The Owls have so far failed to pick up a win in four league matches and were also knocked out of the League Cup by near neighbours Rotherham at the first attempt.
Jamaican winger Jermaine Johnson makes a welcome return to the squad following a three-match suspension but right back Lewis Buxton is a doubt having been forced off at half-time with a hamstring strain last weekend.
Middlesbrough also have an injury concern over their right-back. Fraser Richardson was substituted early in the first half of their match against Wigan last Sunday. Stuart Parnaby is in line to deputise should Richardson not prove his fitness.
Goalkeeper Jason Steele has recovered from a recent ankle injury and is expected to face the Owls.
Like the Owls, Boro's season got off to a slow start with defeat at Leicester followed by a League Cup loss at home to Accrington. Since then however they are unbeaten in 3 games and were unfortunate not to pick up more than a point at much fancied Wigan last weekend.
Wednesday were beaten 3-1 at the Riverside Stadium last season but ran out comfortable 2-0 winners in the return fixture at Hillsborough on the last day of the season.
Since Boro moved to the Riverside Stadium in the mid-nineties the Owls have visited them six times and have lost on each occasion.