Middlesbrough face Sheffield United at the Riverside this evening, with both sides looking to get a first win under their belts and get the ball rolling.
With many predicting the side that will play against the Blades tonight, here is the side I would like to see take to the pitch for Boro’s first home game of the season.
GK – Darren Randolph
Although looking shaky at times at The Den against Millwall, Randolph is the best goalkeeper at Middlesbrough at the moment and is a guaranteed starter if he is fit.
RB – Ryan Shotton
Middlesbrough need to bring in a right-back and a left-back this transfer window to provide competition for Shotton and George Friend. At the moment Shotton is the only real choice Tony Pulis has for the right-back slot.
CB – Aden Flint
New signing Flint had a debut to forget against Millwall on Saturday, with his mistake leading to the opposition’s second goal, and missing a gilt-edged chance at the other end. Flint will come good however, and needs some game time for his new club to settle in.
CB – Dael Fry
With the exit of Ben Gibson this could be a huge season for the 20-year old Fry. Daniel Ayala is still working his way back from injury and I expect Fry to get the nod against Sheffield United.
LB – George Friend
Boro’s hero last week was George Friend, as he rescued a point away at The Den to get Boro first point of the season. Friend has been a stalwart at the club and remains a fan favourite given he is consistently hard working and on his day is one of the best in the league.
CM – Adam Clayton
Adam Clayton’s hard work often goes unnoticed, he is brilliant at ball retention and mops up in front of the back four. He is as important to this team as anyone.
CM – Paddy McNair
McNair is yet to make his competitive debut for Middlesbrough and could make his Championship bow for Boro this evening. An injury kept him out of the season opener, but he may have recovered in time to play at The Riverside in Boro’s first home game.
CM – Lewis Wing
Many wouldn’t have expected Lewis Wing to have been knocking on the door of the first team squad, but an impressive pre-season saw him make the bench against Millwall and make a difference when he was given a chance after being introduced. Wing could replace Jonny Howson in this evening’s fixture.
RW – Martin Braithwaite
Braithwaite was Boro’s stand out performer at The Den and worked his socks off tirelessly for 90 minutes and got the goal to get them back in it at 2-1.
ST – Britt Assombalonga
The forward cut an isolated figure as a sole striker last week, and looked better when Ashley Fletcher came onto the pitch to partner him up front. But I suspect Assombalonga will be given the nod as a lone front man again.
LW – Marcus Tavernier
Plenty of Middlesbrough fans will be hoping Tavernier replaces Stewart Downing, as the 19-year old showed plenty of energy and desire on the pitch, and grabbed the assist for Braithwaite’s goal.
