A hard-fought battle is set to ensue between Aston Villa and Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship playoffs. The teams finished 4th and 5th in the respective order and now will have two matches against each other to win a place in the final of the playoffs.
Both teams are better known for their defending rather than their attacking prowess and it could point towards a rough battle with a low scoring tie likely to be on the cards. Boro manager Tony Pulis has played down the hype saying that Villa are the much better side but he has also assured his fans that Boro will not be going out without a fight.
“If you had given me a play-off position when I took over the football club, I wouldn’t have cared who we were playing, so I can’t be judgmental or care or worry about who it is.
“We have got Villa, who most probably have the strongest squad in the Championship and it will be a real tough game. They will be big favourites, I’m sure.”
This is how he might line up for the important tie.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
30-year-old Irish man Darren Randolph is set to play in goal for Boro. The custodian has had a good season between the sticks where he has played 48 games and kept 17 clean sheets. He has conceded 46 goals averaging at 0.9 goals per game. He will have to be alert to the danger of Lewis Grabban of Aston Villa who has already scored 20 goals this season.
The exciting right-back Ryan Shotton can be expected in his usual position while George Andrew Friend can be seen playing at left back. Daniel Ayala’s career may have failed at Anfield but he is definitely a star turn at Middlesbrough and should start at centre back next to the impressive Ben Gibson.
Midfield
Jonathan Mark Howson should be one of the three central midfielders for Boro. Adam Clayton can be expected to be the other midfielder with Muhamed Besic being the third. They will be tasked with handling the heavy midfield battle and will have to be at their primary best to ensure Villa do not get access to the remote to control the game.
Attack
Adama Traore should be starting from the right with Stewart Downing expected to be his partner. Britt Assombalonga should be the one to lead the line.
