Before the international break, Middlesbrough took nine points from their last three games. They will be hoping to continue this form on Sunday when they travel to face a struggling Leeds United side who have won just once in their last five league games.
A win for Boro would keep them in 5th. But a win is almost necessary if they want to have a chance of catching league leaders Wolves this season.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Middlesbrough Line-up To Face Leeds United
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Garry Monk has stuck with a variant of this formation for Middlesbrough’s past three games now. As Boro won all three of these games, Monk will likely stick with the same system again on Sunday.
GK: Darren Randolph
Randolph was on form once again in Middlesbrough’s last match vs Sunderland. He pulled off a number of great saves that helped Boro hold out for a 1-0 win. One of his best saves was in the 4th minute of the game when he denied Lewis Grabban from six yards out.
RB: Connor Roberts
Boro’s star right-back Cyrus Christie is suspended for the Leeds clash after picking up his 5th yellow card of the season vs Sunderland. This means Roberts will likely be handed his first Championship appearance for Boro.
RCB: Daniel Ayala
After a shaky start to the season, Ayala is finally starting to find his form. He does still look a bit shaky on the ball. But he is improving with every game he plays and he should do a solid job on Sunday.
LCB: Ben Gibson
After testing out several centre-back partnerships this season, Monk looks to have finally found a working one in Ayala and Gibson. This partnership has served Boro well in past seasons and Monk will be hoping it can do so again this season.
LB: Fabio
Fabio started on the bench in Boro’s last game due to picking up an injury. However, he should be well rested by now and will likely regain his starting place at left back on Sunday.
CDM: Grant Leadbitter
Leadbitter has started all three of Boro’s last league games. In which he has scored twice and put in some solid displays. So, expect him to retain his place vs Leeds.
CDM: Jonny Howson
Howson also had a solid game vs Sunderland. He made several key interceptions and started off some good counter attacks. Howson and Leadbitter seem to be playing well together so Monk is likely to stick with that CM pairing again this week.
RM: Stewart Downing
Downing seems to be improving with each game for Boro this season. He was one of Boro’s best player’s vs Sunderland. And the pass he played to Braithwaite to set up the Boro goal was simply brilliant. Therefore he will very likely start vs Leeds.
CAM: Martin Braithwaite
Braithwaite has been excellent for Middlesbrough since coming back from injury. He looks a real threat every time he gets on the ball. Plus, it was his cross that set up Boro’s only goal vs Sunderland. He will start vs Leeds.
LM: Marcus Tavernier
Despite being just 18 years of age Tavernier is becoming a regular in the first team. He is improving with each game played and his link-up play with Boro’s other forwards is excellent. He also scored the winner in Middlesbrough’s last game vs Sunderland meaning he should probably start vs Leeds as well.
ST: Britt Assombalonga
Assombalonga had one of his quieter games vs Sunderland last time out. But given that he has scored eight already for Boro this season, he should start up front on Sunday vs a struggling Leeds defence.
