Middlesbrough will be facing third tier football side Oxford United and undoubtedly an easy win should be on the cards for the Teessiders. Although they haven’t soared high in their first season since promotion, Aitor Karanka has made sure that the team keep their shape and give themselves a point before targeting a win.
Boro are known for their adamant backline, which has stopped some ferocious attacks in the top flight this season. Arsenal, Everton and Manchester City are a few of those. Their defensive setup has been their greatest weapon, having conceded only 27 goals so far, but Karanka is expected to go all out this time.
Although their home record is not something they can boast of, as they have collected just 13 points from 13 games, a comfortable win should be expected this time. Given that there has been enough time to recover from the last league game, and they will also have further time to rest for the next game, we expect Karanka to play a strong team in the FA Cup fifth round.
Predicted Middlesbrough XI vs Oxford United
Defence
Victor Valdes is expected to start under the bar. The former Barcelona man has been one of the main reasons Boro are still out of the relegation zone. The Spaniard has conceded only 26 goals in 22 games and it includes some brilliant displays against top teams.
Former Manchester United full-back Fabio will take his preferred left-back position. His agility down the flanks has been threatening at times for opponents and Oxford will be the perfect fixture to sharpen his skills. Barragan has missed the last few weeks with a hamstring and is expected to be fit for the game.
The central defence is expected to be taken by Daniel Ayala and Calum Chambers. Ayala started their stalemate with Everton from the bench and should start this time. Chambers will be hoping to get his preferred central position back this time after starting as the right-back last time.
Midfield
Karanka is expected to fall back to his midfield general Grant Leadbitter for the anchorman’s role in the middle replacing Adam Clayton. Gaston Ramirez is expected to start alongside Dutchman Marten de Roon in the playmakers’ role, in front Leadbitter. There have been four goals and three assists between the duo and Karanka will expect an early break this time.
Attack
Stewart Downing is expected to start this time on the left flank. The winger has scored once and assisted twice for Boro so far. The exciting Adama Traore should start on the right flank. New recruit Rudy Gestede could get the nod ahead of Alvaro Negredo in the attack.
Gestede
Downing – Ramirez – de Roon – Traore
Leadbitter
Fabio – Ayala – Chambers – Barragan
Valdes
