All you need to know ahead of Middlesbrough v Watford, including kick-off time and television coverage

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Boro could leapfrog their opponents with a win in the Sunday lunchtime clash at the Riverside.

Middlesbrough made an impressive start to life back in the top flight after a seven-year absence, but Boro are currently on the slide. Aitor Karanka’s men have picked up just two points from the last available 15, a run which has seen them slip to within touching distance of the bottom three.

Watford, on the other hand, make the long trip north in good form having collected two wins and a draw from their last four matches, including a fine comeback at West Ham and famous victory over Manchester United at Vicarage Road. Three points for the Hornets this weekend could see them climb into the top half of the Premier League.

The Key Battle – Ben Gibson vs Troy Deeney

Both of these players were linked with England call-ups ahead of the recent international break, but neither made the cut. Deeney will need to keep banging in the goals if he is to keep himself on Gareth Southgate’s radar, though he may find life tough against Gibson, who has coped comfortably with stepping up a division so far.

Deeney has a great record against Middlesbrough – he has scored six goals against the Teesside outfit in his Watford career to date, including one in each of the most recent four meetings between the two.

Last Meeting

These two sides last met at Vicarage Road on Easter Monday 2015, when goals from Watford’s potent strikeforce of Deeney and Odion Ighalo sealed a 2-0 win for the hosts. The result knocked Boro off top spot in the Championship, and they went on to lose the play-off final to Norwich as Watford went up automatically.

The overall record is very tight. Watford have 15 wins in this fixture to Boro’s 14, with seven draws along the way.

Recent form

Watford – LLWWLD

Middlesbrough – WDLLLD

Who is the ref?

51-year-old Roger East will be in charge at the Riverside, taking control of his seventh match of the season. The previous six have seen 19 cautions and two red cards, including one for Watford’s Ben Watson in their 1-1 draw at Southampton in August.

What time is kick-off?

The game at the Riverside kicks off at 1.30pm on Sunday.

Where can I watch it?

This is the first of the Super Sunday double header on Sky Sports 1, and coverage begins at 12.30pm.

Live commentary is also available on BBC Radio 5Live.

Odds

Middlesbrough – 23/20

Draw – 9/4

Watford – 5/2