Middlesbrough will hope to make it three wins on the trot when they take on Wigan Athletic in their next Championship game.
The Smoggies picked up a 2-0 win against QPR in their last league game, and have closed the gap Leeds United and West Brom.
Fixtures between Middlesbrough and Wigan have been tight of late, as four out of the last six encounters have ended in draws. Boro have won the remaining two games.
Middlesbrough Team News
Pulis is set to be without Aden Flint once again. The 29-year old has missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury, and is expected to remain on the sidelines.
George Friend is also likely to sit out as he is nursing a hamstring injury. Lewis Wing has been complaining of a groin injury recently, and might not be risked.
Predicted Middlesbrough Lineup vs Wigan Athletic (3-5-2)
Defence
Darren Randolph should keep his place in goal. The custodian has picked up 15 clean sheets this season, and will hope to improve that tally.
Daniel Ayala, Ryan Shotton and Dael Fry are expected to line up at the back. Pulis’ side have been resilient at the back, having conceded the fewest goals in the league, and will look to shut out the Wigan attack come Saturday.
Fry has been one of their regular starters this season. In 25 appearances, he averages 4.7 clearances per game, and has also managed four assists.
Wing-backs
While Jonathan Howson could keep his place at right wing-back, George Saville should feature on the left in the Middlesbrough lineup.
Saville has managed three goals so far, while Howson has provided five assists, so the two will once again be key proponents when Boro go forward.
Midfield
John Obi Mikel and Muhamed Besic are likely to get the nod to start in the central midfield, and are expected to be accompanied by Adam Clayton.
Besic averages 4.3 tackles per game after 26 league outings, and has also managed two goals and three assists.
Attack
Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher might start up top yet again. The former has scored 10 goals already this season, and will look to end add to his tally after scoring just once in his last four games.
Statistics Credits: Whoscored
