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 defeated Watford FC in a match in which the visitors dominated for 80 minutes, and the locals reacted at the end, although without much success.

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.

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.

Follow live coverage as Watford face Preston North End 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.

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