Although there have been multiple key departures from the Riverside this summer, Tony Pulis, the Middlesbrough boss, has done a stupendous job so far. The side will next take on fellow promotion chasers Leeds United this Friday.
A much-altered Leeds side suffered their first defeat under Marcelo Bielsa on Tuesday night at home against Preston in the League Cup.
Boro have clinched victories in close contests and will adopt a much more pragmatic approach, unlike their opponents.
Middlesbrough Team News
Middlesbrough do not have any significant injury absentees except marksman Rudy Gestede who has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Pulis made significant alterations to his squad against Rochdale in the League Cup tie but is expected to restore the preferred options tomorrow.
Predicted Middlesbrough Lineup (3-4-1-2)
Defence
Darren Randolph left West Ham United last season to get regular game time and has replaced Dimitrios Konstantopoulos between the sticks. Konstantopoulos is now the third choice behind Andy Lonergan who is being preferred in the Cup fixtures but will have to make way for the ex-Hammers custodian.
Pulis has switched his side to a back three in recent games and Spaniard Daniel Ayala, who scored an injury-time winner against West Brom last weekend, should retain his place as the right-sided centre-half.
Aden Flint, the summer signing from Bristol City, will be back in action in a central defensive role while Dael Fry has stepped up and will complete the back three.
Midfield
Ryan Shotton has earned a regular game time under Pulis and will feature as a right wingback. George Friend will be deployed in a similar role on the opposite flank and the veteran Englishman is relishing the challenge at both ends of the pitch.
Adam Clayton and Jonny Howson have formed a stable, experienced and dominating partnership in the middle of the park and the duo will return against the Whites to keep control of the midfield game against the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Mateusz Klich and Samuel Saiz.
Stewart Downing, the former England international, was rested against Rochdale and should start behind the two forwards.
Attack
Britt Assombalonga has netted twice in five fixtures and is troubling opposing defences with his towering physical presence inside the box. He’ll definitely start against Leeds.
Martin Braithwaite is attracting interest from abroad and the Danish international could remain on the bench as deadline day approaches.
Jordan Hugill could get a start in place of the Braithwaite, having scored this past midweek, and Ashley Fletcher will remain on the bench as a backup option.
Image courtesy: mfc.co.uk
