MIDDLESBROUGH, England (Interstat) — Middlesbrough FC hosts Preston North End in an English Football League Championship match on Saturday, with the visitors desperate to halt a sudden slide in form.

The game at Riverside Stadium pits a Middlesbrough side coming off a strong away victory against a Preston team reeling from a heavy home defeat.

Middlesbrough (12-7-8) moved into playoff contention with a 2-1 road win at Stoke City on Wednesday. It continued an inconsistent but potent run for Michael Carrick’s squad, which also includes a 4-0 thrashing of Southampton and a 3-2 win at West Brom this month. Their attack has shown high gear, but defensive lapses have led to losses against lower-table sides like Derby County and Hull City in recent weeks.

Preston (9-10-8) arrives under pressure after a 3-0 home loss to Hull City on Tuesday, a result that extended its winless streak to three matches. Following a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on New Year’s Day, Preston has failed to score in consecutive 1-0 losses to Wigan Athletic and Derby County before the Hull collapse. Manager Ryan Lowe will seek a rapid response to stop the team’s mid-table position from eroding further.

The previous meeting this season ended in a 2-2 draw at Deepdale on Sept. 13.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the most likely outcome is another 1-1 draw.

Key matchup to watch: Middlesbrough’s fluctuating defense against Preston’s suddenly stagnant attack. Boro has conceded 10 goals in its last six league matches. Preston, after scoring seven goals in two games early in January, has been shut out in three of its last four outings.

Injury report: Both clubs will issue final squad updates Friday.

Up next: Middlesbrough hosts Norwich City on Jan. 31. Preston travels to face Ipswich Town on Jan. 31.