It is safe to say that Middlesbrough’s season is more or less over now as the chance of surviving relegation has become slimmer after Steve Agnew saw his men totally outplayed by a Bournemouth side last week.
With just five more games to go, which includes fixtures against the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, Agnew may well start preparing for life in the Championship. Boro are seven points adrift of 18th placed Swansea City with one game against Sunderland in hand, who sit at the bottom of the table.
Although the Black Cats may look like the ideal opponent to play at this moment, Boro’s recent record against them isn’t very encouraging. They are winless in their last three league games against Sunderland.
Predicted Middlesbrough XI vs Sunderland
Defence
Brad Guzan will again start under the bar. The injury of Victor Valdes couldn’t have come at a worse time it seems, as his absence has given Boro all kinds of problems at the back in the last two games, where they have conceded six goals. Honestly, a lot isn’t expected from the 32-year-old, who is already moving to Atlanta United FC at the end of the season.
We expect Boro to have a more offensive approach against Sunderland, whose away form hasn’t been good this campaign. Agnew should go with a four-man defence this side that will help him add an extra striker up front. The defensive flanks will be taken by George Friend and Antonio Barragan. Boro saw Ryan Fraser and Marc Pugh exploiting them time and again in the last game and the duo needs to buck up.
The central defensive duo should feature Ben Gibson and Daniel Ayala. While things ae definitely not going their way of late, it would be significant for Boro to retain their services for the next season.
Midfield
The four-man midfield should remain the same except for the important exception of Gaston Ramirez. The Uruguayan international has undoubtedly been Boro’s most influential player in the attacking third and his absence reduces a chunk of creativity. Stewart Downing will take the left flank and the very exciting Adama Traore should start on the other flank.
The Barcelona product has shown flashes of brilliance this season and if it was not for his faulty decision making, Boro could have been picked up a few more points. The central midfielders are expected to be Marten De Roon and Grant Leadbitter.
Attack
Alvaro Negredo should start alongside Rudy Gestede. Sunderland have one of the worst defences in the league and it might be the perfect chance for the Boro forwards to get back their confidence.
