, The two Middlesbrough players ‘almost certain’ to start against Leeds

The two Middlesbrough players ‘almost certain’ to start against Leeds

Middlesbrough will be hoping to return to winning ways after their humiliating defeat at the hands of Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round replay last week.

Middlesbrough face Leeds United on Saturday in one of the stand out games of the season so far. Leeds have struggled for consistency of late, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side losing five of their last eight. Boro on the other hand have been in slightly better form, losing just two of their last ten, winning five.

Manager Tony Pulis is expected to ring the changes after the loss to Newport. According to The Northern Echo there are two ‘almost certain’ starters. Ryan Shotton and John Obi Mikel will play from the off reportedly, likely replacing Paddy McNair and Adam Clayton.

Clayton was involved in an altercation between players and fans at the full time whistle at Rodney Parade on Tuesday. Muhamed Besic and Rudy Gestede were also involved, and will also be expected to miss out.

Another player likely to come back into the fold is George Saville, if the former-Millwall man can get fit in time. He scored the opening goal against West Brom last weekend, and was one of the better performers on the day.

Middlesbrough have often played a 5-4-1 formation against sides in the top six this season. The setup has worked well for Pulis, with the Teessiders having one of the best records against sides around them. After switching to a 3-5-2 against Newport, they will be expected to revert back to 5-4-1 this weekend.

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