Middlesbrough are intent on shutting out Leeds from the record books

Boro’s current run of nine games without conceding a goal is equal to the record set by Chelsea in 1905-06, Leeds United in the 1927-28 season and Charlton Athletic in 1997-98.

Aitor Karanka’s side would overhaul all three of those teams by keeping a clean sheet against the managerless Robins away from home today.

It has been 817 minutes since Boro last conceded in the league, which occurred on November 7, with Tom Huddlestone scoring against them for Hull City.

Another clean sheet at Ashton Gate would also take the Riverside Stadium club within a game of matching the English record for consecutive clean sheets, which is currently held by Millwall, York City and Reading.

The Lions went 11 games without letting in a goal in 1925-26, York likewise in 1973-74 and Reading in 1978-79.

Karanka’s men have already equalled their own record for clean sheets at home, which was set by Bruce Rioch’s ‘Boro Babes’ side in the 1986-87 season.

Prior to the current run Middlesbrough’s record for clean sheets in a row stood at seven.

Karanka and his promotion favourites broke that in the 2-0 win against Derby on January 2.

Boro’s run: Page 4