Tony Pulis’s first game in charge of Middlesbrough did not go as many would have hoped. Middlesbrough lost 1-0 to fellow playoff rivals Aston Villa and are now 9th in the league. Luckily for Middlesbrough, some results elsewhere went their way and they are still just three points off the playoffs.
This means when they travel to Preston tomorrow, a win is very much needed. Especially given Preston are one place above Boro. However, Pulis has still had less than a week in charge of Boro. So, the system and style he is looking to use at Boro are unlikely to be fully formed as it was not vs Villa. A win for Boro could take them to 6th and a loss down to 12th.
Here is how they might line up.
Formation: 4-4-2
The 4-4-2 was the system Pulis used in his first game in charge of Boro. And he is likely to deploy it again vs Preston so the team can get used to what is likely to be their new formation under Pulis.
GK: Darren Randolph
Randolph remained in goal vs Villa which would suggest Pulis still sees him as Boro’s number one. So, he is likely to start vs Preston.
RB: Ryan Shotton
Despite being one of Middlesbrough’s better performers this season Cyrus Christie looks to be a casualty of Pulis taking over. Christie has been replaced at right back by Ryan Shotton who has played under Pulis at Stoke, also as a right back.
Which is likely why Pulis put the familiar Shotton at right back over the attacking Christie. He is likely to do the same tomorrow given that Shotton played well vs Villa.
RCB: Daniel Ayala
Ayala wasn’t great vs Villa. But given Shotton looks to be a right back for Pulis, Ayala will likely start at centre back again vs Preston.
LCB: Ben Gibson
Gibson had a poor game vs Villa. His poor passing nearly cost Boro a goal early on and his marking and positioning for their goal were poor. Boro will be hoping for a better display this time around.
LB: Fabio
Fabio also looked to be one of the casualties of Pulis taking over. However, George Friend, his replacement, had a poor game vs Villa and the goal came from his man. So, Fabio may return vs Preston as he has been the better player this season.
RM: Stewart Downing
Downing had a decent game vs Villa and Pulis has already come out and said he is a fan of Downing. He will likely start tomorrow.
CM: Grant Leadbitter
Leadbitter is very much a Tony Pulis type CM. And given that he did not even put Adam Forshaw or Clayton on the bench vs Villa, Pulis is likely to stick with Leadbitter again vs Preston.
CM: Jonny Howson
Howson had one of Boro’s better chances in their last game when he connected with a headed ball from Gestede inside the Villa box. But he missed timed his shot. Boro will be hoping his finishing improves vs Preston where he is likely to start.
LM: Martin Braithwaite
Braithwaite was subbed off early in Boro’s last game. However, given the only other player to play as a left midfielder Boro has is Marvin Johnson, Braithwaite is likely to keep his place tomorrow.
ST: Ruddy Gestede
Gestede started in Pulis’s first game for Middlesbrough. And given the way Pulis plays, a 6ft 4 target man such as Gestede is likely to remain in the side for a while. He also won most of his headers and set up Howson for what should have probably been a goal.
ST: Britt Assombalonga
Assombalonga didn’t do great against Villa. He is a proven goal scorer though and Pulis is unlikely to bench someone who has 12 goals already this season.
