TEAM NEWS

MIDDLESBROUGH BOLTON QPR STOKE v v v v SHEFF WED LEEDS UTD (1pm)

Boro’s Jordan Hugill and Britt Assombalonga face late fitness tests. George Saville (ankle) and Lewis Wing (groin) will also be monitored.

United must check on Pablo Hernandez (groin), Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich (both knee).

PRESTON

Jack Hobbs (Achilles) is out for the Trotters. Andy Taylor is also likely to be sidelined through injury. Keeper Ben Alnwick (back) may return.

North End could name the same side for the fourth game in succession. But Connor Ripley suffered an ankle injury in a practice match.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST v v BRENTFORD

Forest’s Yohan Benalouane is suspended, as is Jack Colback. Tendayi Darikwa returns after his own ban. Michael Dawson is out for up to six weeks.

Bees will check on the fitness of Rico Henry. Keeper Daniel Bentley and Ollie Watkins return after being rested.

BIRMINGHAM

Tomer Hemed (hernia) is pushing to start for the Hoops. Geoff Cameron (ankle) is unlikely to be risked. Angel Rangel (thigh) is still out.

David Davis (ankle) could make the Blues squad for the first time this season, while defender Kristian Pedersen is back from suspension.

READING

Steve Bruce will give his three new Owls signings a chance. Dominic Iorfa, Rolando Aarons and Achraf Lazaar are all in the squad.

Royals are without Nelson Oliveira following the horrific facial injuries he suffered in last week’s draw against Aston Villa.

WEST BROM (5.30pm)

Potters could miss Charlie Adam (calf). Tom Ince and Benik Afobe may return after coming off the bench in the 2-0 defeat at Hull.

Baggies’ loan trio Jacob Murphy, Jefferson Montero and Stefan Johansen are available. Matt Phillips and James Morrison are out. Jayden Bogle is in contention for the Rams after a ban. Ashley Cole (below) could be involved for the first time, as could Andy King.

Tigers will assess the fitness of several players, including Reece Burke, Jordy de Wijs and Jon Toral. New-boy Liam Ridgewell is out. City are without duo Timm Klose and Moritz Leitner (ankle). Todd Cantwell and Ben Godfrey have been struggling, but are expected to be available.

Town hope to have James Collins (foot) and Luke Chambers (hamstring) fit.