VIKTOR FISCHER returns to Middlesbrough's starting line-up for this evening's Premier League home game with Hull City.

Fischer will be making his first start since the 1-1 draw at West Ham at the start of October.

The Denmark international has been preferred to Adama Traore, who drops down the bench.

Alvaro Negredo continues as a lone striker, with Fischer and Gaston Ramirez playing on either side of him.

Neither Jordan Rhodes nor David Nugent is included in the matchday squad.

Hull have made five changes from the side that beat Newcastle United in the EFL Cup quarter-finals last week.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-3-3): Valdes; Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Fabio; de Roon, Clayton, Forshaw; Fischer, Negredo, Ramirez.

Subs: Guzan (gk), Espinosa, Nsue, Leadbitter, Stuani, Downing, Traore.

HULL (4-4-1-1): Marshall; Elmohamady, Davies, Dawson, Robertson; Snodgrass, Livermore, Mason, Clucas; Henriksen; Diomande.

Subs: Jakupovic (gk), Maguire, Meyler, Huddlestone, Weir, Tymon, Bowen.