The 2019-20 Championship campaign will resume this weekend and on Saturday, Middlesbrough are scheduled to host West Bromwich Albion at the Riverside Stadium.
Jonathan Woodgate’s side have been far from convincing this season as they are languishing in the twentieth spot in the standings with just 10 points to their name after 11 games.
The Smoggies will be bereft of the services of George Friend due to a surgery he had undergone. Hayden Coulson has returned to full training and is expected to be back in action in a few days.
Rudy Gestede will also be unavailable this weekend due to a hamstring issue. Paddy McNair, Darren Randolph, Marcus Tavernier and George Saville travelled away on international duty and will be assessed after they arrive.
Defence
Randolph is expected to start between the sticks as usual in the Middlesbrough lineup. The defensive duo of Daniel Ayala and Dael Fry is likely to be selected by the manager.
Ayala, despite his side’s troubles, has had a decent season so far in the Championship. The 28-year-old has mustered 1.5 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 5.2 clearances per game on an average to his name after 10 league appearances.
In the absence of Coulson and Friend, Ryan Shotton could be chalked in the left-back position whereas Anfernee Dijksteel could get the nod to start at right-back in the Middlesbrough lineup.
Midfield
Adam Clayton is expected to be stationed in the deep midfield role and the player has to muster his experience and shore things up in midfield, something he and his side have failed to do till now.
Jonathan Howson and McNair could complete a three-man midfield setup. These two will be entrusted with the responsibility of stretching the defensive line of the Throstles and to create chances for their offensive teammates.
McNair has scored 2 goals and registered 1 assist in 11 league outings. Besides, he has also garnered 1.1 tackles, 2.4 shots and 0.9 key passes per game on an average, thus showing an admirable balance his game.
Attack
Britt Assombalonga is likely to get the nod to start as the striker. With 4 goals to his name, he will back himself to flourish against an in-form team.
Meanwhile, Tavernier and Marcus Browne could start on the wings. They have to navigate past resilient West Brom fullbacks and also put in a defensive shift.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
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