Middlesbrough are on a high after emerging triumphant in their first Wear-Tees derby of the season. And incidentally, it was they first win in the Premier League after an absence from the competition for a period of 7 years. Aitor Karanka has been busy in the transfer market since early on in the summer and has overseen some very impressive Boro signings over that time. While they have been quiet for the last couple of weeks it is still expected the Riversiders will be adding to their depth before the window closes. They seem determined to stay in the Premier League and if the early signs are to be considered, they have started off on the right path. An impressive draw against Stoke City began the proceedings with their marquee player Alvaro Negredo opening his account 10 minutes into the match. While the Stoke draw was impressive, they followed it up with a 2-1 win against Sunderland.
They face West Bromwich Albion on Sunday as they look to repeat a unique feat from February 2006, when they had recorded their last successive victories in away games and the matches were incidentally against Sunderland and West Brom. But the Baggies have a clear advantage over Boro if past records are considered having won their last 4 meetings with Boro scoring 11 goals and conceding none.
HERE IS THE PREDICTED MIDDLESBROUGH LINE-UP VS WEST BROMWICH ALBION (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Victor Valdes is struggling for fitness and Brad Guzan is again expected to take up his position between the sticks. In defence, Boro have a headache regarding George Friend’s injury. In case the lanky left-back is unable to feature, one out of Nsue and Barragan will fill up at left-back. In that case, Ayala will be making a comeback and line-up alongside Gibson in central defence.
MIDFIELD
With summer signing Marten de Roon still out, Adam Forshaw and Adam Clayton are expected to form the double pivot once more. Karanka will be hoping the partnership between the two is able to flourish with a serious lack of depth in that particular area. Gaston Ramirez will take up his usual position in the No.10 role and look to pull the strings from there.
ATTACK
Stewart Downing will line up on the left-flank and in the possibility of Friend’s absence, has to lend support to the player who will be deputising for the stand-in captain. Christian Stuani looks to have guaranteed a place after his heroics on debut while Alvaro Negredo will look to carry on his fine form leading the line.