Middlesbrough drew 1-1 with Hull City at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday in their last outing in the Championship and are currently third in the league standings. In all fairness, there is a lot of room for improvement for Tony Pulis’ men as the Championship season this time is pretty competitive.
The team will take on Ipswich Town later tonight. The Tractor Boys haven’t had the start they would have been looking for and the away team start as favourites.
Middlesbrough Team News
Midfielder Adam Clayton is suspended after being booked five times. Gestede has been ruled out and Leadbitter is also a doubt.
Predicted Middlesbrough Lineup (5-3-2)
Defence
Pulis has found his preferred defence and considering his ideology, we don’t expect too many changes. Darren Randolph is the preferred goalkeeper and should keep his place. Ahead of him, we expect Pulis to roll out a five-man defence comprising of Ryan Shotton, Daniel Ayala, Aden Flint George Friend and Sam.
While Ayala, Flint and Friend are set to start as the centre-backs, Shotton and McQueen will have the task of marauding down the flanks to carve out openings for the attackers.
The defence has been impressive so far this campaign as Pulis so often designs his team on defensive solidity. Flint has been rock-solid in particular, having mustered 5 clearances on an average.
Midfield
Owing to the absence of Clayton, Muhamed Besic might get the nod to start as the central defensive midfielder. George Saville has been stupendous so far this season and he is expected to start in the central midfield alongside Jonathan Howson.
In 10 league appearances, Howson has bagged 2 assists. He has also managed 1.2 clearances per game on an average. If there’s one criticism of Boro’s midfield then it is that they have been too defensive. While Pulis’ system asks them to do that, the fans would love to see a bit more from the attacking perspective.
Attack
Britt Assombalonga is expected to start up top once again alongside Jordan Hugill. Assombalonga has plundered 4 goals so far this season, including his goal against Hull City, and he will be keen to up his impressive start.
Statistics Credits: Whoscored
