Middlesbrough are due to make a trip to the Kenilworth Road on Friday as they are set to open their 2019-20 Championship season.
The Smoggies missed out of a playoff spot by just a single point last campaign and will definitely be striving towards promotion under the tutelage of Jonathan Woodgate.
There is no denying that Middlesbrough will clearly enter into the fixture as the favourites and undoubtedly, a win over Graeme Jones’ troops could be a huge boost for them.
Middlesbrough team news
Boro have been relatively quiet in the ongoing transfer window but their summer signings Marcus Browne, Tomas Mejias and Marc Bola will be available.
George Friend is also expected to return in time to start. Darren Randolph will not be available as he is recovering from an ankle injury.
Predicted Middlesbrough lineup to face Luton Town (4-3-3)
Defence
Mejias is likely to start under the bar against the Hatters. The former Real Madrid shot-stopper will be aiming to impress in order to feature ahead of Randolph in goal on a regular basis this season.
Daniel Ayala and Ryan Shotton are expected to start in central defence. These two are more than capable of injecting resilience at the back and it will be interesting to see how they fare against the newly-promoted side.
While Friend might get the nod from Woodgate to start from the left-back position, Jonny Howson could start as the right-back. The duo will have to strike a balance as they look to peg the opposition wingers back.
Midfield
Adam Clayton might be assigned the holding midfield role in a three-man midfield setup. The 30-year-old is tenacious and his perseverance and doggedness will make the team more compact in the middle.
A few yards ahead of him on either side, George Saville and Marcus Tavernier might get the green light to start. Saville and Tavernier have pace to burn and they will be crucial for Boro’s fortunes this season.
Attack
Britt Assombalonga might get the chance to start up front against Luton Town. The Riversiders will be relying heavily on his attacking prowess this season and it is to be seen whether he steps up or not.
Meanwhile, Marvin Johnson and Browne might start on either side of the striker. Their service in the final third will be important and will be a sign of things to come this campaign.
