Aitor Karanka will be looking forward towards their first win in 2017 when Middlesbrough will take on Stoke City. Boro’s last win came against Swansea City and that too in the last year. They are currently in 17th place in the Premier League table and relegation threat is looming larger. Karanka’s side have one of the better back lines in the league and have conceded just 28 goals so far. They have to deliver in this crunch situation and the gaffer is expected to field a strong lineup.
On the other side, Stoke City are having an erratic season and will come into the game from a 4-0 bashing at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur. However, despite all that, Mark Hughes’ men are playing much better than Boro and will try to garner maximum points from this match.
Predicted 4-1-4-1 Middlesbrough Lineup To Get Past Stoke City With Ease
Defence
Victor Valdes is expected to start for the Riversiders. The Ex Catalan custodian has conceded just 28 goals in the Premier League so far and has been the saviour for them. On the left side of the defence, Fabio is expected to start. His marauding run through the left flanks has often caused problems for the opponents and he also helps the defence a lot by tracking back a lot.
Calum Chambers is set to retain his place and is expected to start in the right back position. The Arsenal loanee has a decent season so far and will be determined to prove himself.
Ben Gibson and Bernardo Espinosa will be deployed at the heart of the Middlesbrough defence. Karanka tried a three-man defence in the 1-0 loss against Crystal Palace but is expected to deploy Gibson and Espinosa as the centre-back pairing. Gibson has been a revelation this season and his form is the main reason why Boro are currently out of the relegation zone.
Midfield
Karanka is expected to field Adam Clayton in the holding midfield role and the latter will have the task of steering the midfield. Adam Forshaw and Martin De Roon are expected to start further ahead in the midfield and will have the responsibility of feeding the ball to Alvaro Negredo.
Attack
Cristhian Stuani should start on the left flank. The 30-year-old has scored four goals this season and Karanka would be relying heavily on the player to deliver some dangerous crosses.
Exciting prospect Adama Traore is set to start on the right wing. The teenager is yet to score his first goal for the club and could make an opening against the Potters. Alvaro Negredo will start as the sole forward and is expected to add some firepower to the ranks.
