Both Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion have started incredibly well so far this season, with Boro having 10 points from their opening four games, whereas West Brom sit just behind them in the table with seven points.
The sides play on Friday evening in front of the Sky Sports cameras in what’s looking like one of the games of the season so far.
Here is the predicted side for Middlesbrough when they face off against the Baggies.
GK – Darren Randolph
Boro’s ever reliable shot stopper Darren Randolph started the season with a shaky performance away at Millwall, but has gone from strength to strength from there. It will take some doing to budge the Irishman from the number one spot.
RWB – Ryan Shotton
Shotton has been a revelation since Boro’s change to a 3-5-2 formation, and gives Tony Pulis a good attacking threat on the right hand side, whilst also covering in defence.
RCB – Dael Fry
In what could be a huge season for the 20-year old, Dael Fry has big shoes to fill given Ben Gibson’s departure. However, he has eased into the role comfortably, and has been a huge part of Boro’s three clean sheets in a row.
CB – Aden Flint
Another who is helping to fill the void left by Gibson is Aden Flint. Brought in from Bristol City for around £7 million, expectations were high, but after a poor debut at The Den, he has been impressive in every game since.
LCB – George Friend
A new role has been given to George Friend in recent weeks, playing as a left-sided centre-back. He has slotted into the role well and has still been given licence to go forwards as he likes to do.
LWB – Stewart Downing
Another player in a new role is Stewart Downing. A natural left-sided midfielder, the 34-year old has been deployed as a left wing-back in the past couple of weeks, and has been one of the stand out players for Middlesbrough in recent games against Bristol City and Sheffield United.
CM – Lewis Wing
After impressing in pre-season, Lewis Wing was given a huge chance in the regular season and has been a mainstay since making his first start against Sheffield United. Wing could be dropped for new signing Mo Besic however, but I expect the youngster to continue in the midfield role ahead of the Everton loanee.
CM – Adam Clayton
The glue that holds the team together is Adam Clayton. Able to link the defence through midfield and into attack, the former-Huddersfield midfielder has been a mainstay in the side since signing, and he will continue to do so in this fixture.
CM – Jonny Howson
Mo Besic’s signing could see either Wing or Howson drop out of the side, but I expect the Bosnian to come off the bench in the second half for his debut. Howson has been excellent this season already and has been putting in some of his best performances since signing.
ST – Martin Braithwaite
One of the in-form strikers in the Championship at the moment is Martin Braithwaite. The Dane has scored three goals in four games and will look to continue his fine form into the game against West Brom.
ST – Britt Assombalonga
Another striker finding his feet this season is Britt Assombalonga. The forward has scored in each of his last two games but he faces a tough test against an experience West Brom back line this Friday.