Enzo Maresca’s side has been the dominant force in the championship this season, with the Foxes leading the way at the top of the table.
However, a 1-0 loss at home to Leeds United reduced their gap in the chasing pack outside the top two to 11 points, with second-place Ipswich Town now also only three points behind.
Middlesbrough consider themselves one of that chasing pack, even though recent results have dropped Michael Carrick’s side to 12th in the standings.
Boro finished fourth last season but failed to gain promotion through the play-offs.
And the club will be targeting another top-six finish this campaign, with the gap currently just three points.
Victory this weekend could see Carrick’s team back inside the play-off places going into the November international break, depending on results elsewhere.
Can Leicester City win at Middlesbrough?
EFL analyst David Prutton thinks that Boro’s absence from a midweek match this week may have been necessary before their match against Leicester.
He thinks the clubs will play to a 1-1 draw at the Riverside on Saturday, earning Carrick’s team a point against the Foxes.
After traveling to Exeter a few days prior, Middlesbrough and its supporters had a week of travel, culminating in that wild match against Plymouth last week, according to Prutton, who wrote via Sky Sports.
“I’m sure they would have appreciated a few days to heal.
“And they may need it as Leicester are in town.
“After their last defeat this season, they went on to win nine in a row.
“But I think they may face another slight bump at Riverside Stadium.”
Where in the Championship table is Middlesbrough?
| Championship Table (As it stands November 6th) | ||||
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 9 | Hull City | 15 | 2 | 23 |
| 10 | Blackburn Rovers | 15 | -1 | 22 |
| 11 | Bristol City | 15 | 0 | 21 |
| 12 | Middlesbrough | 15 | -1 | 21 |
| 13 | Stoke City | 15 | -2 | 20 |
| 14 | Swansea City | 15 | 2 | 19 |
| 15 | Birmingham City | 15 | -1 | 19 |
| 16 | Watford | 15 | 0 | 18 |
Last time out, Middlesbrough and Plymouth Argyle drew 3-3, costing them two crucial points in their quest for a top-six spot.
At Home Park, a brace from Josh Coburn and a goal from Sam Greenwood in the 80th minute were insufficient to secure all three points.
Boro have now gone two games without a win as they prepare to face the current league leaders.
Carrick’s side had previously won their last six games in a row before losing to Stoke City at the end of October.
It could be three without a victory come Saturday, with Maresca’s side looking to get back to winning ways of their own on their charge towards automatic promotion.
Can Middlesbrough secure a spot in the playoffs?
The Riverside encounter with Leicester on Saturday will be a crucial examination of Middlesbrough’s promotion prospects.
Beating the Foxes would be a big statement of intent for their Premier League ambition, and Leeds have now given them the blueprint for success after their 1-0 win over Leicester last weekend.
Carrick’s side can rise to the occasion, having done so multiple times this season, but this will be their biggest test so far.
Defeat would be a blow to morale, but victory should put Middlesbrough on the path back towards the play-offs after a couple disappointing results.
