Middlesbrough welcome Alan Pardew and his troops to the Riverside Stadium and the home team will be quietly confident of a positive result at the end of the match. Middlesbrough made a belated return to the top-flight after a gap of 7 years and they started off with a bang in the transfer market investing a lot in new players and with a couple of big names thrown in. And with the start they have got, things look bright in their quest for Premier League survival and a stable future in the league.
Aitor Karanka has had to deal with an expected number of injuries and he has worked on that aspect in the transfer market to rein in proper back-ups and added depth to the side. After a hard fought draw against Stoke City on the opening day, they put up a commendable display in the first Tees-Wear derby of the season as they defeated Sunderland 2-1 much to the delight of the fans. In their third match, a hint of tiredness showed in the players and the International break has probably come at a good time for them. With a couple of new additions, they will be eager to build on their solid start. And playing against Crystal Palace who are themselves undergoing a revamp themselves, Boro will fancy their chances.
HERE IS THE PREDICTED MIDDLESBROUGH LINE-UP VS CRYSTAL PALACE (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Victor Valdes will unlikely be rushed back from injury and Brad Guzan will be the goalkeeper on Saturday. Antonio Barragan is expected to move back to his favoured right-back position after playing across the back four in light of injuries. Calum Chambers will hope to earn an immediate start having already turned up for Arsenal this season. He might be partnered by Gibson, who has been impressive thus far. George Friend will look to be fit after a prolonged recuperating time.
MIDFIELD
Marten de Roon will not be rushed back and hence the pair of Adam Forshaw and Adam Clayton will likely continue in the double pivot. Gaston Ramirez is their best creative source and his budding understanding with the other attacking players looks promising.
ATTACK
Aitor Karanka might look to carry on with the same personnel and look to introduce the new recruits depending on the situation of the match. Hence Downing and Stuani are in-line to start of the two flanks with Alvaro Negredo looking to continue his promising form leading the line.
