Middlesbrough host Brentford in Sky Bet Championship play-offs

Defender Jonathan Woodgate could return to the Middlesbrough squad for Friday night's decisive Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final clash with Brentford.

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The 35-year-old has been out of action with a hamstring injury since April 14, but is now fit and in contention for selection as Aitor Karanka's men attempt to book a trip to Wembley.

Leading scorer Patrick Bamford is expected to be fit after playing through the pain barrier in last week's 2-1 first leg victory at Griffin Park.

The loan signing from Chelsea has been struggling with an ankle problem for some time and barely trained before that game, but should be available once again at the Riverside Stadium.

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Centre-half Harlee Dean is fit for Brentford despite suffering a dead leg last Friday.

Striker Chris Long is also available having been back to parent club Everton for treatment on a gashed leg which required 10 stitches.

Midfielder Lewis Macleod was on the bench last week for the first time since his January switch from Rangers having finally overcome a hamstring problem, so forward Scott Hogan is the only absentee with his long-term knee injury.

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Boss Mark Warburton is set to stick with the side which started the first leg for what will be his final game in charge if the Bees do not pick up the victory they need to reach Wembley.

Betting

Sky Bet make Brentford 7/2 to overcome their first-leg deficit and reach Wembley, with Middlesbrough expected to progress with ease. Aitor Karanka’s men are marginally odds-on to win on the night at 19/20 with the Bees 13/5 while a draw is priced at 13/5. Boro’s win at Griffin Park saw them installed as 11/8 favourites for promotion while Mark Warburton’s men are 12/1 outsiders to be playing Premier League football next season. Patrick Bamford heads the first goalscorer betting at 4/1, while Andre Gray considered the Bees’ biggest threat at 13/2 to net first.

Watch the second leg of the Sky Bet Championship tie between Middlesbrough and Brentford on Friday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 HD at 7.30pm.