Burnley vs Middlesbrough - Burnley duo Sam Vokes and Joey Barton doubtful for crunch clash with Boro

Burnley have doubts over Sam Vokes and Joey Barton for the visit of Middlesbrough in a crucial clash at the top of the Sky Bet Championship table.

The Clarets, who are two points adrift of Boro with four contests remaining, were without striker Vokes (groin) against Birmingham at the weekend while midfielder Barton (calf) was withdrawn at half-time.

Lukas Jutkiewicz (knee) is nearing a return from a long-term injury lay-off while winger Lloyd Dyer made his first appearance of the season at Blues after signing in February.

Sean Dyche's side are unbeaten in their past 19 games and have not lost in the league since Boxing Day.

Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka has no fresh selection problems as he looks to secure a seventh successive victory and take a further step towards the Barclays Premier League.

Uruguayan striker Cristhian Stuani completes his three-match ban after being convicted on video evidence of elbowing Preston defender Greg Cunningham, and he will be available for selection once again for Saturday's home clash with Ipswich.

Karanka made just one change for Saturday's hard-fought 2-1 win at relegated Bolton with midfielder Adam Forshaw, after his match-winner against Reading in midweek, coming in for Grant Leadbitter.

January signing Jordan Rhodes will hope he has done enough to retain his place in the starting line-up after scoring both goals at Bolton - the second of them at the death - with he and David Nugent battling it out for the role of lone striker in recent weeks.