Despite being in it’s early weeks, the promotion battle in Championship has already heated up. The league tally has a new leader every time since the past few gameweeks, and it was Middlesbrough who knocked down Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough to regain the top of the table spot on Saturday afternoon. Boro, under Tony Pulis, are one of the prime contenders to script a Premier League return and are likely to strengthen the hold on automatic promotion by defeating Rotherham United at Riverside in a Yorkshire derby.
The Millers are winless in their last six league outings and struggling lower down the standings despite a bright start. A game against Middlesbrough on the road would be one of the toughest of ties for Paul Warne’s men who should uplift their display to defy the odds on Tuesday night.
Team News
Middlesbrough have a fully fit squad and Pulis has the luxury to pick out his best lineup for the midweek encounter. Martin Braithwaite was not included in the matchday squad against Sheffield Wednesday for returning late from his international duties with Denmark but is likely to return in action versus Rotherham.
Formation
Pulis has been experimental with his formations and lined Boro up in 3-5-1-1, 5-3-2 and 3-5-2 at times. He, however, has mostly preferred a 4-3-3 and should revert to it on Tuesday to start the game with atleast initially.
Defence
Middlesbrough had an incredible defensive record in the early weeks but has lost consistency to some extent of late. Nevertheless, the lineup is unlikely to get altered much from the defensive perspective, and veteran Darren Randolph should retain his place between the sticks.
Ryan Shotton and George Friend are expected to operate from their respective right and left fullback roles. Boro have plenty of options in central defence but are likely to field Daniel Ayala and Aden Flint at the core of their ‘back four’. Youngster Dael Flint was a part of their five-man backline versus Wednesday but might be dropped among the substitutes if a ‘back four’ is restored.
Midfield
Boro have plenty of options in the middle of the park but likely to field a similar midfield-three as the Owls game. Adam Clayton, Jonny Howson and Muhamed Bešić are set to continue as midfield-three with the latter even finding the net once in their 2-1 victory over Wednesday. George Saville has been preferred on a few occasions but likely to be involved later on coming off as a substitute.
Attack
Veteran Stewart Downing has been instrumental in Pulis’ system due to his work rate, crossing and set-piece traits. He should be shifted to his usual right wing role whereas Britt Assombalonga is tipped to start ahead of Jordan Hugill and Rudy Gestede as the ‘number 9’. Martin Braithwaite was not involved this weekend but might start down the left flank versus the Millers.
