Doriva to start

With George Boateng still out with a knee injury and Luke Wilkshire also out through injury, it would appear to be an obvious choice for Steve McClaren, who will look to play an attacking 4-3-3 formation, against the almost relegated Baggies.

Doriva, who signed from Celta Vigo in a last-minute transfer window deal, has impressed for the reserves and has the pedigree to start his first Premiership match, after playing for Brazil in the World Cup. He will be joined in midfield by Geremi and Jonathan Greening.

Boro welcome Chris Riggott back into the squad but he will probably have to settle for a place on the bench. Colin Cooper will continue at right back in place of the injured Sturat Parnaby.

Michael Ricketts is still short of match fitness and is also unlikely to start, so Massimo Maccarone will hope to keep his place ahead of Szilard Nemeth, who scored a brace for Slovakia this week. Juninho and Malcolm Christie will start.