Middlesbrough will be a gutted lot after they lost narrowly to Southampton at St. Mary’s in a match where they were expecting at least a draw. Boro have looked better accustomed to the trials of the Premier League in recent weeks and after a draw against Leicester City and a win against Hull City, Karanka would have loved to have got points on the board before a daunting game against Liverpool in midweek.
Middlesbrough were missing their main attacking threat in Gaston Ramirez and Alvaro Negredo and it was no wonder they did not end up with a goal. But their failure to keep a clean sheet saw the 3 points slip away.
The former Real Madrid assistant coach has shown the willingness to adjust his tactics according to their opposition and this has seen a 3-man midfield put in relentless pressure in the middle of the park and reduce the attacking threat of their esteemed opponents. They will have to dole out something similar against Liverpool, who are expected to be doing much of the attacking work between the two sides.
Liverpool, themselves are on a poor run of form and after a start which saw them steam roll others and move up to the 1st spot, they have been underwhelming in a few matches since and are currently in the 3rd place.
PREDICTED MIDDLESBROUGH XI VS LIVERPOOL (4-3-2-1)
DEFENCE
Victor Valdes will be in goal and is likely to have a busy 90 minutes under lights. He has been consistent lately and his leadership and reading of the game have come in handy. Antonio Barragan has been better in recent weeks and is a regular fixture in the side now. Calum Chambers and Ben Gibson will be the centre-back pairing. The duo has been good till now and Ayala has not been able to find a way into the team. George Friend is likely to be back next week and Fabio will have another game at left-back.
MIDFIELD
Karanka has utilised a three-man midfield and it has been moderately successful. Although their attacking threat has subsided considerably, they have toughened up in the middle of the park. Adam Forshaw, Adam Clayton and Marten de Roon will form the trio once more and will have to work overtime on Wednesday.
ATTACK
Adama Traore’s individual ability is unquestionable and although his team play is not up to the mark, he might be used against Liverpool’s sketchy backline. Gaston Ramirez and Alvaro Negredo might be fit in time and will line up on the left-flank and up top respectively. Victor Fischer and Stewart Downing are the alternatives.
