Julio Arca and Gary O'Neil start in midfield while Lee Miller lines up in attack alongside Chris Killen.
On loan winger Jay O'Shea is named among the Boro subs. Sunderland striker Ryan Noble, who's joined Watford on loan until the end of the season, is on the Hornets' bench.
Middlesbrough (4-4-2): Jones; Hoyte, Wheater, McManus, Taylor; Robson, O'Neil, Williams, Arca; Killen, Miller. Subs: Coyne(gk), Riggott, Lita, O'Shea, Grounds, Franks, Naughton.
Watford (4-4-2):Loach;Mariappa,DeMerit,Eustace,Cowie;Lansbury,Doyley, Buckley,Taylor;Cleverley,Helguson. Subs: Lee(gk), McGinn,Graham,Harley,Hoskins,Noble,Hodgson.
Source: Northern Echo
Source: Northern Echo