Middlesbrough will be a buoyant side when they travel to St.Mary’s to face Southampton. Boro ended last week’s proceedings with an invaluable 1-0 win over Hull City on Monday night. It seems that the Teessiders have slowly found their feet after a difficult couple of months. They haven’t yet started winning enough games to be sure of survival but the signs are positive for Aitor Karanka and his boys.
There were concerns that Karanka’s rigid policy and his staunch use of the 4-2-3-1 formation might get in the way of Middlesbrough’s progress and ability to sustain themselves in the League. But he has shown enough to prove that he is willing to try out different things and tweak his formation and personnel in order to establish a strong foothold in the League.
They are currently in the 13th place and are within touching distance of the Top 10. The midfield trio has been particularly impressive and it is imperative the three of them remain fit.
They will be up against a Southampton team who have been impressive on their own and sit 2 points above Boro. They have the exact goal difference and everything points to an exciting encounter. The Saints will most likely have the upper hand due to their experience but Boro will not be prepared to sit back and just defend.
PREDICTED MIDDLESBROUGH XI VS SOUTHAMPTON (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Victor Valdes has looked increasingly comfortable and confident and has contributed to the scoreline with his saves. He might well prove to be one of the more important signings of the season. Antonio Barragan has slowly settled and is looking like a fine right-back. Calum Chambers and Ben Gibson have struck up a good partnership and have been an integral part in their recent solid displays. George Friend’s injury has let Fabio stake a claim for a spot in the team at left-back.
MIDFIELD
The midfield trio has been excellent and has worked their socks off. They have had to work differently than they are used to and till now the results have been encouraging. Marten de Roon’s return from injury has been a great plus while Forshaw and Adam Clayton have increasingly looked like Premier League as the league has gone on. They will be facing another well-oiled midfield of the Saints and it makes for an interesting battle.
ATTACK
Ramirez is rated a doubt and there is a slight chance he might miss out. But Boro have options in Stuani, Downing and Traore to fill in. Fischer is likely to be on the opposite wing with Alvaro Negredo leading the line.
