Middlesbrough will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run when they face Leeds United at Elland Road this evening. Both sides are tied on points at the top of the table, with one team on top leading into the international break.
Here is the potential XI for the game:
GK – Darren Randolph
Easily one of the best goalkeepers in the division, Darren Randolph has cemented his place as the regular Middlesbrough shot stopper.
RWB – Ryan Shotton
Many Boro fans felt that Shotton could have been a weak link last season, but he has excelled in a right wing-back role this campaign so far.
CB – Dani Ayala
Ayala came through 45 minutes unscathed in the Carabao Cup last week, and will seemingly slot back into the starting line up for the trip to Elland Road. He will be a threat at set pieces, and will have to be his best to deal with an in-form Kemar Roofe.
CB – Dael Fry
The 20-year old has come on leaps and bounds this season, and has been nothing short of outstanding. Fry wins the majority of defensive headers, and his maturity shines through even at such a tender age.
CB – Aden Flint
Summer signing Flint had a nervy start at his new club, but has been key in Middlesbrough keeping four clean sheets in a row in the Championship.
LWB – George Friend
Friend’s defensive capabilities had been called into question last season, with plenty of fans questioning if the vice-captain was still at it. But a move to left wing-back means he has been given more licence to bomb forward with less consequences.
CM – Adam Clayton
One of the first names on the teamsheet has to be Adam Clayton. He does the dirty work that sometimes goes unnoticed, and it will be a good battle with Klich and Phillips in the centre of the park.
CM – Jonny Howson
Howson will be the one central midfielder to be given more of a free role, and will look to unlock the Leeds United defence this evening.
CM – Muhamed Besic
Besic was one of the stand out performers in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, and with a good pre-season under his belt with Everton, he should be ready to slot straight into the starting eleven. The Bosnian also rejected a move to Leeds in the summer, and this could add another element to the tie.
CAM – Stewart Downing
With Martin Braithwaite expressing his desire to leave, don’t be surprised to see the Danish international dropped from the squad. Downing will presumably come inside to play in the number 10 role in front of the three midfielders and in support of Assombalonga.
ST – Britt Assombalonga
The striker has two goals in five games this season, and will be looking to add to his tally at Elland Road after scoring there last season for Boro in their 2-1 defeat.
