Middlesbrough will be keen to continue the winning momentum when they host QPR at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.
Following their defeat to Sheffield United, Middlesbrough responded with a 1-0 away win in their previous Championship outing against Blackburn Rovers.
At the moment, Boro are 5th in the league table, having picked up 54 points from 32 games so far in the Championship.
QPR, on the other hand, are struggling, and anything other than a win for Boro will be seen as an opportunity lost from a Middlesbrough perspective.
Middlesbrough Team News
Daniel Ayala will return to action after sitting out against Blackburn Rovers following a suspension.
While Aden Flint is nursing his hamstring injury, there is no return date for Sam McQueen who is currently unavailable due to a cruciate ligament injury.
Predicted Middlesbrough lineup vs QPR (3-4-2-1)
Defence
Darren Randolph has been the first choice custodian for the Riversiders and he is expected to keep his place in goal.
A three-man defence, comprising of Ayala, Ryan Shotton and Dael Fry, has been the preferred option, and Pulis is likely to stick with the same combination.
Shotton has been one of the best players for Middlesbrough as after 20 league appearances, he averages 2 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, and 3.7 clearances per game.
Wing-backs
George Friend and Jonny Howson might start as wing-backs. They will be primarily tasked to create crosses, link up with attackers and stretch QPR’s defence.
Friend has played in every single game for Boro this campaign, and has proved to be a valuable asset in the Middlesbrough lineup.
Midfield
Muhamed Besic and John Obi Mikel are expected to feature in the central midfield.
Besic and Mikel have not only cushioned the back-line well on most of the occasions, but have also done well to set the team on the break.
After 25 appearances in the league, Besic has managed a healthy pass completion rate of 87% and has also scored 2 goals.
Attack
Britt Assombalonga is expected to spearhead the attack once again. His goal tally reached double figures in the last game, and he will want to carry on in the same vein of form.
Meanwhile, Ashley Fletcher and Lewis Wing should be able to keep their place on the wings.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
