Neil Warnock will be the first to admit that his squad have under-performed this season, their midweek win over Nottingham Forest representing just their second victory.
Nevertheless, Warnock will take encouragement from the instant impact which has been made by Onel Hernandez and Andraz Sporar, two additions which could prove to be the difference between mid-table and the playoffs.
Boro still only sit in 11th position despite a favourable run of games, but Warnock will hope that the success at the City Ground can lead to a prolonged change in fortunes.
There is added motivation to put things right against their next opponents having succumbed to a 3-0 defeat in the EFL Cup first round last month.
Neil Critchley would have been extremely encouraged by that performance, a feeling that he also felt during last weekend’s shock triumph over Fulham.
Tuesday’s demise at home to Huddersfield has altered the mood at Bloomfield Road, however, and the stakes have been raised ahead of their trip to the North-East.
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Each of the five points collected this season have come when they were considered huge underdogs, a tag which they do not possess for this contest.
The Tangerines showed what they were capable of against Fulham, but inconsistency over the long term will almost certainly lead to a relegation battle.
Only four players have gotten on the scoresheet in the Championship, while Arsenal loanee Tyreece John-Jules has failed to net in 393 minutes in the final third
