Middlesbrough will be facing Watford at home in a fixture where both the teams will feel that they have a chance to clinch a win. Boro are currently in the 16th position having acquired 6 points from 7 games while the Hornets are on 8 points which sees them in the 11th position.
Middlesbrough were considered as one of the contenders for the drop but their aggressive transfer window suggested a determined effort from the club to stay in the top-flight. They started off with a draw against Stoke City before beating arch-rivals Sunderland in the Tees-Wear derby, which was followed by a draw against West Bromwich Albion. But things haven’t gone according to plan since then as the team is finding it hard to reach the desired level to notch up the 3 points.
The team looks settled on paper but there is an increased feeling that the desired quality is being missed. Karanka stressed on the fact before the close of the transfer window and although they did beef up the defence with the acquisition of Chambers, they are lacking an additional spark higher up the pitch. The likes of Fischer and Traore have to step up and show that Karanka does not need to add further attacking players in January.
T4O’s PREDICTED MIDDLESBROUGH LINE-UP VS WATFORD (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Victor Valdes is likely to start in goal but much more will be experienced from the keeper of his experience. Antonio Barragan will be at right-back after filling in at centre-back in the initial few weeks.
Calum Chambers is finally playing in the centre-back role where a section of his well-wishers see him at in future and will be partnered by Gibson. The stand-in captain George Friend will be at left-back and look to offer more of a threat up the pitch. Karanka’s side were defensively solid in the Championship, but haven’t been able to stave off attacks in the Premier League so far. The fans will hope that normal service will resume at the Riverside.
MIDFIELD
Leadbitter is still out injured which will see Adam Clayton and big money signing Marten De Roon form the pivot in midfield. Karanka lays special emphasis on this position and the duo will have to step up their performance.
Gaston Ramirez has been inconsistent after an energetic start to the season and his partnership with Alvaro Negredo hasn’t blossomed yet. He’ll take his place as the number 10.
ATTACK
Stewart Downing has been solid without being too effective and might want to work on his attacking output now, with his experience keeping out the likes of Fischer from their favoured position. Stuani has been getting a run in the starting XI but Traore will hope for a start against Watford while Alvaro Negredo will be leading the line once more.
