Middlesbrough return to the Riverside Stadium this weekend to face Norwich City, aiming to shake off a heavy defeat in their last outing. The Teessiders were beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace on Sunday, a result that halted a promising run of form.

Michael Carrick's side sit sixth in the Championship table with 10 points from their opening five games. Their recent results show three wins, a draw and that solitary loss at Selhurst Park. They had previously won at QPR and Doncaster, drawn at Burnley and beaten West Brom at home.

Recent form

Norwich arrive in good spirits after back-to-back wins. They defeated Birmingham City 2-1 at Carrow Road last time out and won 3-1 at Sheffield United the week before. Their only recent setback was a 1-0 loss at Stoke City. The Canaries have scored freely, netting four against Burnley and two at Cardiff in their other recent fixtures.

Middlesbrough's last starting line-up, in the 4-2-3-1 shape used at Palace, featured Sol Brynn in goal behind a defence of Cyrus Brittain, Luke Ayling, Anfernee Jones and Sam Byram. Aidan Morris and Adrien Malanda anchored midfield, with Archie Cozier-Duberry, Myles Peart-Harris and Tomas Conway supporting lone striker David Strelec.

Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup fielded a similar 4-2-3-1 against Birmingham. Veteran goalkeeper Viktor Kovacevic started, with Jack Stacey, Reece McConville, Jhon Cordoba and Ben Chrisene across the back. Kenny McLean and Philip Mattsson played in the double pivot, with Aaron Brooks, Oscar Schwartau and Pape Abdou Diallo behind striker Mathias Kvistgaarden.

The key for Boro will be rediscovering the defensive solidity that served them well in the 1-0 win at QPR, where Will Lankshear scored the only goal. They have conceded eight goals in the league so far, but scored eight themselves for a positive goal difference.

Carrick will demand a reaction from his players in front of their own fans. A win would keep them firmly in the early play-off picture, just three points behind leaders West Brom.

This fixture kicks off a busy period at the Riverside. Middlesbrough's next game is also at home, against Millwall on Tuesday night. Millwall currently sit eighth, making it another important test. Fans can plan ahead by viewing the complete fixtures schedule.

The team news and any late fitness tests will be confirmed by the club ahead of Saturday's match.