Middlesbrough are already locked in an ugly relegation fight midway through the Premiership season and are fully aware that unless things turn around drastically, they will be playing in the Championship next year. Manager Gareth Southgate is a worried man as his side has lost six of their last 10 Premier League games, while drawing the remaining four.

Just two wins in their 14 Premier League games so far have seen Middlesbrough slip into the drop zone before Christmas. To be fair to Southgate, he has been battling injury worries on all fronts. Last week, he was informed by medical staff that goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and striker Mido will be out for extended periods as they are yet to recover from injuries.

Julio Arca makes a comeback after recovering from a medial ligament injury. Middlesbrough are 18th on the Premiership table with 11 points from 15 games.

Arsenal on the other hand will look to clinch the match at Riverside following a disappointing 1-1 draw at St James' Park against Newcastle on Wednesday. Manager Arsene Wenger will have been disappointed that the Gunners could not extend their 28-match unbeaten run as they lost to Sevilla in the Champions League.

Nevertheless he will be hoping for a better response from his players against Boro. Injury worries are also threatening Arsenal's victory march as Hleb missed the match against Newcastle with an Achilles injury and is doubtful for the Middlesbrough clash.

More worryingly Cesc Fabregas picked up a hamstring injury against Sevilla and may not feature on Sunday as well. Diaby has a back injury that kept him out of the Newcastle game. Arsenal top the Premiership table with 37 points from 15 games.

Last season this fixture ended in a 1-1 draw. Watch Middlesbrough vs Arsenal Live on free-football.tv.