Middlesbrough will be welcoming an Everton side who are looking to carry on their fine run and will hope to keep the pressure on the 6th spot which might see a change which was long overdue. Having sat underneath United in the table for what seems like an eternity, there is a chance that they might find a new partner with Liverpool being touted to drop to the 6th spot with a match against Tottenham Hotspur looming large where they have to win or hope United lose against Watford.
Coming back to Boro, they have been a mixed bag this season. After gaining promotion to the Premier League following a long wait of 7 years, there was a real buzz around the club with the former Real Madrid assistant coach, Aitor Karanka, spearheading a mass recruitment drive throughout the summer, as they prepared to tackle the diverse challenges the Premier League was about to throw at them.
He had the backing of the board and he went full throttle. The signings were looking good and there was a very plausible chance of a relatively respectable mid-table finish if the new personnel gelled with the team. But their measly return of 21 points from 24 games will have to see a considerable improvement in the coming weeks if they are to achieve a respectable mid-table standing.
PREDICTED MIDDLESBROUGH LINE-UP VS EVERTON (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Victor Valdes will be in goal and will look to keep a clean sheet against the marauding Everton strikeforce. Antonio Barragan is the preferred right-back and will look to improve on his displays even more. Calum Chambers has established himself in the first team and will be partnered with Ben Gibson in central defence. In the absence of Friend, who is out with an injury, Fabio will continue to deputise at left-back.
MIDFIELD
The 3-man midfield is likely to be in action against the Toffees and it will be an interesting battle between the two sets of players in the centre of the pitch. Clayton is likely to sit in the deepest position while De Roon and Forshaw will sit either side of him in a slightly more advanced position. Guedioura is an alternative after coming off from the bench in the last match.
ATTACK
Traore will be on the right wing and he will be a real handful for the Everton defence. Karanka will be hoping he improves his end product considerably after a bright start to the season. Negredo will start with Gestede likely to come on from the bench. Stuani is likely to be on the left wing and will have to improve with a number of players knocking on the gaffer’s door for a first team spot.
