Follow live coverage as Middlesbrough face West Bromwich Albion 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.

West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray is already looking ahead after losing 2-0 on his first game back in management against his first football love, Middlesbrough. Although Albion dropped to seventh in the Championship, Mowbray is already boldly targeting six points from the Baggies' next two matches.

On his first start since November, his importance to Boro was so evident. His aggression to win the ball back higher was evident throughout a dominant first half and he was excellent throughout, proving he has the quality on the ball to add to his bite.

Middlesbrough need to "change the cycle", according to coach Michael Carrick, but he is happy with much of what his team are doing at the moment.

Tuesday evening sees Middlesbrough welcome West Bromwich Albion as they look to sail above the visitors on the Championship table (19:45 GMT) - here are the stats.

All the latest from the Riverside as Michael Carrick's Boro look to get their Championship promotion bid back on track

Out of favour Ipswich Town striker Ali Al-Hamadi is on the verge of securing a loan move to West Bromwich Albion for the remainder of the season. The 22-year-old Iraq international has struggled for game time in the Premier League this season,