Matthew Dolan stunned Middlesbrough as he scored a late equaliser for Newport County to force a fourth-round replay of the FA Cup encounter. Middlesbrough are vying to move to the Premier League and were expected to see out a side currently occupying the 14th spot in League 2. However, that is where the charm of FA Cup lies and the Boro cannot be complacent again when they take them on in this midweek clash.
Tony Pulis would definitely have one eye on the upcoming Championship encounter with Leeds United, and we can see a heavily rotated team come out and play at Rodney Parade. The Teessiders though would be high on confidence as they went past high flying West Brom recently.
Team News: Tony Pulis doesn’t have any injury concerns going into this match, and he will have a strong squad to choose from in the FA Cup.
Middlesbrough’s predicted lineup Vs Newport County
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
No. 1 goalkeeper Darren Randolph might be given a breather in this tie, and Greek custodian Dimitrios Konstantopoulos is expected to start in goal for the Teessiders. Aden Flint is likely to play in the heart of the defence. He will also be a major threat while attacking set pieces given his aerial prowess. Paddy McNair should get a look into the team in the defensive position ahead of other regular centre-backs.
Ryan Shotton is a reliable option to start from the right-hand side of the defence. George Friend is likely to reprise his usual left back role.
Midfield
Former Premier League winner John Obi Mikel is likely to play in the deepest role in midfield, and he would add steel and composure in the middle. Adam Clayton should start in a slightly advanced position with Jonny Howson completing the midfield three.
Attack
We expect the Boro to take the game to their lower division opponents and that is why we feel the manager might go in with an attacking formation with three up front. Stewart Downing is in a contract standoff with the club and one more appearance by him would trigger a year’s extension. However, the fact that the manager wasn’t able to land some of his January targets means that Downing would play a part this season. He should start from the right.
Rajiv Van La Parra should start from the left and Ashley Fletcher could lead the line against Newport County.
