Middlesbrough will entertain Wigan Athletic at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday afternoon hoping to return to winning ways after a drab 0-0 result versus Stoke City last weekend. The Boro have done well defensively, but they have had their fair share of problems going forward.
The North Yorkshire giants have only scored twice but have let in just one goal in their last four outings across all competitions. The Boro boss, Tony Pulis, is expected to opt for a 4-3-3 formation and might hand Ryan Shotton his first start following his recent return from injury.
Britt Assombalonga might also come into Pulis’ first-team for this clash and lead the charge for the home team after he was dropped against the Potters last weekend.
4-3-3 Middlesbrough Predicted Lineup To Face Wigan Athletic
Defence
Darren Randolph will start in goal for the Boro ahead of Dimitrios Konstantopoulos, who will be part of Tony Pulis’ bench this weekend. Randolf is in fine form in the league after conceding just two goals in his last four starts for the Championship outfit.
The dynamic duo of Dael Fry and Aden Flint might get a start in central defence. George Friend is expected to resume his duties at left-back while Ryan Shotton, who is nearing a return from his knee injury, could recover in time to be fit to start at right-back.
Midfield
The Boro midfield will feature the likes of Adam Clayton, who will play as the defensive workhorse while Lewis Wing and Jonny Howson look to be creative ahead of him. Mohamed Besic might be a part of the Middlesbrough bench and could come on during the game if needed.
Attack
Pulis’ frontline would contain Stewart Downing looking to cut in from the right, Martin Braithwaite featuring on the left, while Britt Assombalonga spearheads the Boro attack against the Latics this weekend.
Middlesbrough failed to find the back of the net against Stoke City last weekend, and so this would serve as an ideal opportunity for them to get back to their goal-scoring ways.
