Follow live coverage as Preston North End face Middlesbrough in the Championship today. An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.

Middlesbrough's promotion push faltered after they were beaten 2-1 by Preston North End at Deepdale. Stefan Thordarson's solo strike gave the hosts a deserved lead at the break, and they were good value for it. When Delano Burgzorg levelled just after half time, it looked as though the visitors would go on to win the gamne.

Preston North End and Middlesbrough will both be targeting back-to-back victories when they face off in Saturday's Championship clash at Deepdale. The hosts got the better of Watford in their midweek outing, while Boro claimed a 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday.

Preston North End will battle fifth-place Middlesbrough in Deepdale. A successful three-point win for Preston will move them away from the relegation battle awaiting them down the table. While Middlesbrough winning will further give them a chance to finish at the top of the championship.

Middlesbrough make the trip to Deepdale on Saturday afternoon as they look to strength their position in the playoff spots (15:00 GMT) - here are the stats.

In the hunt for a playoff spot, Watford are set to host Preston North End at Vicarage Road as part of Tuesday's Championship action. The Hornets were beaten 3-0 by the Lilywhites in the reverse fixture back in October, but they will need to pick up points this week if they are to keep up with their rivals.

Milutin Osmajic scores twice to earn Preston a second away win of the season and deny Watford the chance to move into the top six.

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