Middlesbrough were held to a goalless draw by Swansea City in the Championship but results elsewhere meant they are joint top with Leeds United. The focus will shift elsewhere tonight, though, when they take on Preston in the EFL Cup.
Although Preston have had a stuttering start in the league and find themselves at the wrong end of the Championship table, they did knock out Leeds in the previous round and will look to keep their Cup run going, so Tony Pulis’ side cannot afford to take them lightly.
Middlesbrough Team News
At the moment, manager Tony Pulis has no injury or suspension concerns to worry about and he has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Predicted Middlesbrough Lineup (3-5-2)
Defence
Darren Randolph has been in a fine form so far this season and he is the first-choice custodian for Boro. However, he is expected to be replaced by Andy Lonergan between the sticks in the cup fixture. Lonergan could be the team’s designated cup keeper.
Danny Batth is expected to start at the heart of the defence. Dael Fry and Paddy McNair are likely to start in the three-man defence.
Midfield
Grant Leadbitter might be picked over Adam Clayton to operate from the central defensive midfielder, with the primary task of shielding the defence. Clayton has done a fine job in midfield for the Riversiders this season but he is likely to be rested against Alex Neil’s troops.
Muhamed Besic came off the bench against the Swans in the league game and he should be fresh to start against Preston North End. Besic and Marcus Tavernier should start in the advanced areas in the midfield to supply quality passes to the forwards.
Meanwhile, Sam McQueen is expected to start in the left wing-back position. He has to display a lot of industry to help his side offensive and defensively. On the other side, we expect Martin Braithwaite to find a place in the starting line-up for the upcoming game.
Attack
Jordan Hugill, having scored in his side’s 2-0 win over Rochdale in the last round of the competition, should start up top. Alongside him, Ashley Fletcher is expected to get the nod to impress.
