Preston North End desperately need points on Saturday, Dec 12 at 1:30 PM in the Championship. With the team sitting in the bottom three, this is quickly becoming a must-win situation.

Preston North End come into this fixture struggling badly (1W 3L in last 5). Middlesbrough, meanwhile, arrive drawing too many games (3D in last 5) — actually the better-performing side in recent weeks.

In 10 previous meetings, Preston North End lead 5–3 with 2 draws. Their last encounter ended in Preston North End won 0–4. These two tend to produce goals — averaging 3.2 per game in recent meetings.

Verdict: Middlesbrough's quality should tell even on the road. Preston North End will push, but the visitors have too much class. Middlesbrough to win.