Brighton vs Middlesbrough preview - Baldock could boost Brighton
Posted Friday, October 17, 2014 by PA
Sam Baldock could return to boost goal-shy Brighton when they face Middlesbrough at the Amex.
Baldock (calf) has missed the last three games for an Albion side who have found the net just 10 times in 11 outings this season, but fellow striker Craig Mackail-Smith (hamstring) remains sidelined.
The Seagulls will also be without midfielder Andrew Crofts, who is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a second serious knee injury in the space of a year.
Dale Stephens, who was brought in from Charlton in January to replace Crofts after his first injury, is in light training following his ankle problem but remains some way from a return to action.
Aitor Karanka has no fresh injury problems as Middlesbrough look to extend their unbeaten run.
Boro are undefeated in seven games in all competitions, six of them in the Sky Bet Championship, and head south sitting fifth in the table as a result of a 2-0 victory over Fulham before the international break.
Midfielder Grant Leadbitter goes into the match sitting on four bookings and with a suspension looming, but Karanka otherwise has a more or less full squad from which to choose.
Only long-term absentees Jonathan Woodgate, who has made only one appearance this season because of a thigh problem, Damia Abella and Muzzy Carayol (both knee) and Rhys Williams (Achilles) remain on the sidelines.
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