Middlesbrough came back from being two goals down to clinch a draw at the Den against Millwall on Saturday. Neil Harris’ side were 2-0 up after the first period, thanks to goals from Aiden O’Brien and Lee Gregory, but the Smoggies dominated right after the break after some good substitutions by Tony Pulis.
Pulis threw on Lewis Wing, Marcus Tavernier and Ashley Fletcher for the second half and their introduction reaped rewards for Middlesbrough. Martin Braithwaite pulled one back on the 87th-minute and then, Ryan Shotton levelled the score with his goal in the 7th minute of the injury time.
On Tuesday, Pulis’ side will host Sheffield United at the Riverside Stadium and the team needs to muster a better display than what they managed during that first half against Millwall.
Team News
Daniel Ayala’s chances of starting are thin while Ben Gibson has left the club for Burnley.
Predicted Middlesbrough Line-Up Vs Sheffield United (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Darren Randolph is likely to be stationed between the sticks despite the lack of confidence he showed against Millwall. He will be itching to get his first clean sheet of the Championship this season.
Defence
Pulis is unlikely to meddle with his backline and therefore, we expect him to roll out a four-man defensive setup with Aden Flint and Dael Fry at the heart of the defence. Ryan Shotton is expected to operate on the right-back slot, with George Friend on the other side.
Midfield
Grant Leadbitter is likely to be given the nod as the holding midfielder in a three-man midfield. He has to absorb the pressure from the opposing attackers.
Adam Clayton and Jonny Howson are expected to operate in the slightly advanced areas of the pitch. These two have to churn passes and have to make full use of their creativity to give their side the edge.
Attack
Britt Assombalonga should keep his place up top for the Riversiders during the midweek fixture. The striker was pretty tenacious against Millwall. He will be keen on finding the back of the net this time around.
Stewart Downing struggled to make his presence felt on the right wing and thus, he might be shifted to the left. On the right-wing, we expect Ashley Fletcher to get a place in the starting line-up instead of Martin Braithwaite.
