VICTOR VALDES, Daniel Ayala and Grant Leadbitter are all set to miss Middlesbrough’s crucial Premier League game with Manchester City on Sunday.

Boro are currently six points adrift of safety with four games remaining, but the gap will rise to nine tomorrow if Hull City win at Southampton.

Steve Agnew’s side will almost certainly have to beat Manchester City to have any chance of survival, but they will not be able to welcome back any of their doubtful stars.

Valdes is nursing sore ribs and Leadbitter is struggling with a hamstring injury, while Ayala hobbled out of Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Sunderland after damaging his ankle.

“Dani has twisted his ankle and remains a doubt for the weekend,” said Agnew. “Victor Valdes’ ribs are still sore and he’s very doubtful. Grant Leadbitter is still struggling with his hamstring injury.”

Calum Chambers slotted alongside Ben Gibson after Ayala left the field two days ago, and the Arsenal loanee is set to continue at centre-half with Fabio da Silva starting at right-back.

Wednesday’s win was Boro’s first in the league since mid-December, and while the victory might have come against a Sunderland rooted to the foot of the table, it has still raised confidence levels.

“I think it has changed the mood,” said Agnew. “That’s where we get the confidence and belief from, winning football matches. We have to remember it has been a long time since we last won a Premier League game.

“We are talking four months. I’m confident the players will be in a much better place. We know the situation we’re in and we know we have to win more games, but it definitely puts us in a better place.”

Agnew watched Manchester City as they played out a goalless draw with Manchester United last night, and the Boro boss is expecting a stiff test on Sunday.

Aitor Karanka was often dismissive of City boss Pep Guardiola’s qualities, reflecting the depth of the Real Madrid-Barcelona divide that once separated them, but Agnew is much more admiring of the Spaniard.

“I’ve admired Pep for many years,” he said. “From when I used to watch and analyse his teams when he was at Barcelona. I’ve nothing but admiration for him.

“I watched the Man United game and as a coach, it’s the same as the players, that’s your direct competition. It would be great to put one over on him.

“We know we’re playing a top team with a top coach so we know how tough the fixture is. But we came away from the Etihad with a point and even in the (FA) Cup game we had chances on the day. I’m confident we will put a performance on.”