Following after the international break, Middlesbrough travelled to Hillsborough Stadium to face Sheffield Wednesday and came away with all three points following their 2-1 win.
The Smoggies have been quite consistent so far this campaign as they lead the rest of the teams, but they will look to improve their record of just two wins in their last five Championship outings.
On Tuesday, Tony Pulis’ side will host Rotherham United at the Riverside Stadium in their next Championship fixture. After 13 games, Middlesbrough find themselves at the top spot of the league standings with 25 points.
Middlesbrough Team News
Martin Braithwaite will face a late fitness test as will Pulis decide whether he will feature in the mid-week clash or not. Apart from him, the gaffer has a fit squad to pick his starting XI from.
Middlesbrough Predicted Lineup (3-5-1-1)
Defence
Darren Randolph has been the undisputed first-choice shot-stopper for the Riversiders so far in the Championship. Considering his brilliance under the bar, he has become an indispensable part of the lineup.
Pulis is set to persist with a three-man defence comprising of Daniel Ayala, Aden Flint and Dael Fry. Flint has made 13 league appearances so far this campaign and has managed to muster 5.8 clearances per game on an average.
Wing-Backs
Ryan Shotton and George Friend are more than capable of troubling teams with their attacking forays and they have been very solid while defending and tracking back as well.
Midfield
George Saville should come back into the starting line-up at the expense of Adam Clayton. Alongside Saville, Jonny Howson and Muhamed Besic are likely to start in the central midfield. Middlesbrough’s midfielders have fared really well so far this season.
Howson has been stupendous, in particular, having mustered 3 assists in 13 appearances. Besides, he has also averaged nearly a tackle a game. Besic found the back of the net against the Wednesday and will look to impress again after getting a string of games in the last few weeks.
Attack
Britt Assombalonga should lead the line once again. The 25-year-old has already struck 5 goals in 13 appearances and has been clinical up front. Stewart Downing has plied his trade in a number of positions and against the Millers, he is likely to operate as the no.10.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
