Middlesbrough are at home to Aston Villa this Saturday in what will be their last match of 2017. And also Tony Pulis’ first match in charge of Middlesbrough. Boro picked up a win in their last match vs 23rd in the league Bolton. This put them to 7th in the Championship and just three points outside the playoffs.
After a disappointing start to the season under Garry Monk, Boro’s automatic promotion hopes have all but gone. However, Pulis will be hoping he can guide Boro to one of the top playoff spots by the end of the season. A win against fellow playoff rivals Aston Villa would certainly help with that.
Here is how they might line up.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Middlesbrough have now won two in a row using this system. Pulis will also not have had long to implement how he wants the side to play. Therefore, Boro are likely to stick with the 4-2-3-1 again this week.
GK: Darren Randolph
Randolph has started every league game for Middlesbrough this season. He also kept another clean sheet in Boro’s last match vs Bolton. So, he will start in goal vs Aston Villa.
RB: Cyrus Christie
Christie had a solid game against Bolton and has been a mainstay in the Boro defence this season. He is likely to remain as Boro’s right back under Pulis.
RCB: Ryan Shotton
Shotton has started in Boro’s last two games and impressed in both. He scored the winner vs Sheffield Wednesday and was perhaps Boro’s best defender vs Bolton. He also played for Pulis between 2008 and 2013 where he was a regular starter. Therefore, Pulis is likely to continue to pick him given his form and their pre-existing relationship.
LCB: Ben Gibson
Gibson has not had the best season so far for Middlesbrough. However, given the defensive capabilities of many Pulis teams, hopefully, Gibson can start to return to the form he found last season.
LB: George Friend
Fabio has been a regular starter for Boro at left back this season. However, he was replaced by George Friend at halftime in their last match. Which would suggest Friend could start vs Villa.
CDM: Jonny Howson
Howson is another player who has had a solid last two games. He scored vs Sheffield Wednesday and got the assist for Braithwaite’s goal vs Bolton. Therefore, he will start vs Villa.
CDM: Grant Leadbitter
Leadbitter and Howson are continuing to form a strong centre mid pairing this season. And it is this CM pairing Pulis will likely start vs Aston Villa.
RM: Stewart Downing
Downing has continued to improve a lot this season. Plus, Pulis has already said how impressed he was with Downing vs Bolton. This would suggest he will keep his place vs Villa.
CAM: Patrick Bamford
Bamford did not have the greatest game vs Bolton. However, he has proved he can be a solid CAM this season. He is likely to start vs Aston Villa.
LM: Martin Braithwaite
Braithwaite’s form has been somewhat inconsistent this season. Luckily for Boro fans, he was in great form vs Bolton as he scored and got an assist in their 2-0 win. The Teessider’s will be hoping he continues this form into their next game.
ST: Britt Assombalonga
Assombalonga finally ended his goal drought vs Bolton. This put his tally to 12 for the season and made him the 3rd top scorer in the Championship. He will hopefully continue this form vs Aston Villa.
