Middlesbrough vs Leeds United preview - Karanka faces selection poser for Leeds clash

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka faces a selection dilemma as his side bid to extend their winning run to seven games against Leeds at the Riverside Stadium on Sunday.

Karanka made seven changes for the midweek Capital One Cup clash with Wolves and was delighted at the response of his fringe players in a resounding 3-0 victory.

Kike, Adam Forshaw and new-boy Carlos de Pena, who made his first appearance on Tuesday, could benefit if Karanka decides to shuffle his pack.

Karanka said: "We changed a lot of players from Saturday and they wanted to impress. Now I have that headache in terms of picking the team to play Leeds."

Leeds head coach Uwe Rosler has no major new injury concerns but has a big decision to make over whether to include Sam Byram in his squad following mounting speculation this week over the winger's future.

Byram started in last week's win at MK Dons but following criticism from chairman Massimo Cellino this week for not signing a new contract it looks increasingly likely that the player will leave the club.

Rosler hinted recent signing Jordan Botaka could make his long-awaited debut. The DR Congo international was on the bench last week and will be included in the squad again.

New signing Will Buckley has been training with his new team-mates this week but his loan deal is not due to officially commence until next week.