After some seriously poor results, especially against the top 15 sides in the Championship, Middlesbrough and Garry Monk were under serious pressure to get a result when they took on 8th place Ipswich Town last weekend.
Luckily for Boro fans, that is exactly what they did. Goals from Martin Braithwaite and Patrick Bamford saw Middlesbrough beat Ipswich 2-0. While this is certainly an improvement for Monk’s men, the overall performances still weren’t as good as it could be. So, Boro need to improve on that display this weekend when they travel to 17th place Millwall. A win for Boro could see them move up to 7th. But a loss could see them drop as low as 12th.
Here is how they might line up.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Middlesbrough played this in their last game vs Ipswich. Given that it helped them beat a side in the top 15 for the first time since the second game of the season, they are likely to stick with it again this weekend.
GK: Darren Randolph
Randolph has been largely quality for Middlesbrough this season. This was shown again in Boro’s last match when he kept another clean sheet. He will start on Saturday.
RB: Cyrus Christie
Christie has been by far Middlesbrough’s best right back this season. He has also been one of Boro’s signings of the summer. Christie put in yet another good display vs Ipswich which saw him help Boro keep a clean sheet. And also get the assist for Boro’s second of the day. This also makes him Middlesbrough’s top assister this season with three.
RCB: Daniel Ayala
Ayala once again did not have the most convincing of games vs Ipswich. However, Monk clearly prefers him to Fry. Plus, given the fact Boro kept a clean sheet in their last game, Monk will likely stick with the same back four vs Millwall.
LCB: Ben Gibson
Gibson has started every league game for Boro this season and like with Ayala as Boro kept a clean sheet vs Ipswich, Gibson will retain his place this Saturday.
LB: Fabio
Fabio has been Middlesbrough’s best left back this season putting in some great displays. His replacement George Friend, on the other hand, looks far from his best this season. So, Monk will stick with Fabio this weekend.
CDM: Grant Leadbitter
Leadbitter put in a commanding display vs Ipswich. His leadership was evident on the pitch and it is certainly something Boro have been lacking in the bigger games. He will retain his spot vs Millwall.
CDM: Jonny Howson
When Leadbitter has started for Boro this season, his main partner has been Jonny Howson. This is likely to be the same again on Saturday as Boro look for back to back wins.
RM: Stewart Downing
Downing has certainly improved a lot this season for the Teessider’s. This was evident again in their last game when he did well to beat his man and put a good cross into the box which eventually fell to Braithwaite for the opening goal. He will start vs Millwall.
CAM: Patrick Bamford
Boro fans have been crying out for Bamford to start more games this season. And wouldn’t you know, the first league game he starts in ages he puts in a great shift and scores an excellent goal to secure the win. He should start vs Millwall. Especially given that he looked comfortable in the CAM spot, a position Boro have struggled to fill.
LM: Martin Braithwaite
With Bamford now occupying the CAM role, this allowed Braithwaite to move out on to the left of midfield. A position he is much more natural in. This was shown against Ipswich as it was Braithwaite that opened the scoring for Boro. Braithwaite should start out on the left vs Millwall.
ST: Britt Assombalonga
Assombalonga was once again not on the score sheet for Boro. However, he will certainly be hoping to change that this weekend when Boro travel to Millwall as he seems to score much more of his goals away from The Riverside.
