Aitor Karanka and his Middlesbrough side are raring to go as Championship football returns this weekend after the international break.

Currently second in the table with 20 points from the opening ten games, Middlesbrough sit just two points behind leaders Brighton heading into the weekend and remain one of the favourites to win promotion to the Premier League.

Winning run halted at Rading

Before the break, Middlesbrough saw their seven-game win streak in all competitions come to an end as Reading beat them 2-0 at the Madjeski Stadium. Karanka spoke on the run coming to an end, noting in an interview with the club's official site that they "know how difficult it [the Championship] is" and there is work to do.

"We won seven games but if you start to think it is easy it will be difficult...We have to take the last game as an example to keep going." Karanka went on to discuss the preparation in week ahead, saying: “We know and we have to be ready. We have had time to take a break, but after Monday we don’t have one second to rest.” 

The international break may have come at just the right time for Karanka's men after their loss to Reading. The break allows them to regroup after seeing an impressive unbeaten run come to an end.

Middlesbrough could top the table

With just two losses in the Championship campaign so far, Middlesbrough are well on their way to a successful season under Aitor Karanka and a win this weekend, with other results going their way, could see them move top of the table.

Middlesbrough welcome Fulham to the Riverside Stadium on Saturday and will be aiming to begin a new win-streak against the side currently dwelling in 13th in the league. Things look good for the home team as Fulham come in with just one win in their last five while Boro have lost just once in their last five.

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About the author
Harry  Harris
Covering the Premier League, Bundesliga and NFL. Writing for VAVEL since May 2014. Chelsea FC and Atlanta sports.