Middlesbrough will travel to Griffin Park to take on Brentford next to further boost their promotion credentials. Tony Pulis’ men have lost just twice this season, once to the current table toppers Norwich City and other to Aiton Karanka’s Nottingham Forest.
As expected, Boro have produced a defensive masterclass under Pulis as they have let in a miserly eight goals in the 17 games they have played so far (Two of which were conceded in the opening tie against Millwall). The defence is churning out masterclass week in week out, and it’s clear that Brentford would find it tough to breach the Teessiders.
Thomas Frank’s side, on the other hand, have been inconsistent and as a result, sit on the 15th spot. Brentford are set to have a tough run of fixtures coming up as they take on four promotion contenders back to back. After Boro, they face Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion and Swansea City. Frank will hope that they can get something out of this home tie, but the odds are most likely to be against them.
Team News
Sam Mcqueen and Ryan Shotton are the only notable absentees, and Pulis would pretty much have a full squad to choose from for this game.
Middlesbrough predicted lineup vs Brentford
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Darren Randolph has been racking up one clean sheet after another, but usually he hasn’t been that busy in goal as the defence smothers up everything which comes their way. He should start in goal. Summer signing Aiden Flint is a quintessential Tony Pulis defender as he is reliable and robust in his challenges and aerially dominant. He should be one half of the centre-back pairing. Daniel Ayala was left out in the last game for Danny Batth, and we expect the same to continue for this tie as well.
George Friend is a constant threat while going forward but he does his defensive duties diligently as well. He should start in his familiar left back position. Dael Fry has been another one of the consistent performers at the back, and he should start as a right back to complete a formidable and almost impenetrable back four.
Midfield
Adam Clayton should start in between the two midfielders, and his primary job would be to keep things tight and moving. Muhamed Besic and Jonny Howson will be in a more box to box role and will start in a slightly advanced position.
Attack
The experienced Stewart Downing should start from the right as an inverted winger. Martin Braithwaite should be the left winger, and he is often the most threatening player in the final third. Jordan Hugill should lead the line once again after he scored a brace in the last game against Wigan.
