Boro’s final game before Christmas sees Michael Carrick’s side travel to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.
Ahead of the trip to Home Park, here is a closer look at the opposition…
The background
Argyle are 23rd in the Sky Bet Championship standings, having collected 17 points from their first 20 games.
All but two of those points have been won on home soil, with Sunderland, Luton Town, Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth having all been beaten in Devon.
The Pilgrims are winless in their last six matches, and are on a run of four consecutive defeats.
They are just one point inside the relegation zone, though, heading into the festive schedule.
The boss
Argyle are led by Wayne Rooney, who took over in the summer of 2024.
Manchester United’s record goalscorer – who also scored 53 times for England – started his managerial career in 2020 at Derby County, where he finished his playing days.
A move to the United States followed as Rooney took over at DC United, and he also had a stint in charge of Birmingham City last season.
Rooney is supported by former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan.
Key players
Morgan Whittaker has been key to Argyle’s fortunes since joining from Swansea City in 2022, initially on loan. His 19 league goals last season were vital in the club’s successful fight against relegation.
Andre Gray provides real experience and goal threat while Bali Mumba has won a host of individual awards since signing in 2022.
Defender Lewis Gibson, wideman Ibrahim Cissoko and versatile Joe Edwards are among the Pilgrims’ other most important performers.
Past meetings
Last season’s fixture between the teams at Home Park ended 3-3, with Finn Azaz among Argyle’s scorers as they twice came from behind.
The Pilgrims won 2-0 at the Riverside in February.