After Leeds’ draw against Brentford at Elland Road earlier today, Middlesbrough have the chance to move into first place if they win against Nottingham Forest.
Here is the Middlesbrough team news for today’s game:
GK – Darren Randolph
It’s easy to see why Randolph is Boro’s first choice, especially after making two crucial saves to keep his side in the lead against Ipswich last week.
RB – Ryan Shotton
Shotton has been one of Tony Pulis’ best players since moving him from centre-back to right-back and he has been a consistent performer this season.
CB – Aden Flint
Flint made a shaky start to his Boro career, but has atoned for his mistakes already. He is a calming and reassuring presence in the Middlesbrough back line.
CB – Dani Ayala
Ayala and Flint look to be the favoured centre-back pairing now, despite Dael Fry’s early season form. Ayala is a player that can make the difference at both ends of the pitch on match day.
LB – George Friend
Another consistent performer this season is Friend. The left-back has been one of the best in the division in his position, but many thought he may be losing it slightly. However he has proved doubters wrong so far this campaign.
CM – Jonny Howson
The midfield trio last week at Portman Road worked a treat, and Howson was one of the best players on the pitch throughout the 90 minutes and rightfully keeps his place.
CM – Muhamed Besic
Besic got his first goal for Boro last week in this, his second spell, and is another who rightfully keeps his place in the starting eleven.
CM – George Saville
Saville could have been the one to drop out for the returning Adam Clayton, but his performances in a Boro shirt since signing from Ipswich mean he deserves another shot from the off.
RW – Martin Braithwaite
Although Boro could line up in a 4-3-1-2 formation with Braithwaite up top, it is more than likely he will played at right-wing with a free role to drift inside and create chances and link up play.
ST – Jordan Hugill
Hugill had a few chances to put the game to bed last week but failed to take those. However, his hold up play was brilliant and stays in ahead of Assombalonga for this one.
LW – Stewart Downing
The man of the match from last week will be hoping to replicate his performance from Saturday and get himself involved in play more, as he has been rather anonymous in recent weeks.