Arca back for North End trip

Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca returns from suspension for the trip to Preston after suspension.

Boro usher in a new era following the sacking of Gareth Southgate with Colin Cooper set for a one-match spell as caretaker before Gordon Strachan arrives on Monday.

Club captain Emanuel Pogatetz has been left on the bench for the last two games despite recovering from knee trouble and will hope to start, but Seb Hines (knee) needs a late fitness test.

Chris Riggott and Andrew Taylor (both ankle), Caleb Folan (hamstring) and Matthew Bates (knee) remain on the sidelines for the Teessiders.