Middlesbrough were held to a goalless draw earlier in the week at home to Sheffield Wednesday. This was a game Boro probably should have won if they do still want to mount a promotion push this season.
But their home form has not exactly been great under Pulis. Their last three home games have seen Boro lose 1-0 twice after dominating games and most recently the 0-0 draw with Wednesday which they also dominated.
Luckily Middlesbrough are away to Norwich this week and will be looking to pick up three much-needed points at Carrow Road. A win for Middlesbrough could even see them move into a playoff spot if both Fulham and Sheffield United lose this weekend.
Here is how they might line up.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 seems to be Middlesbrough and Pulis’s go to formation this season. And unless a shock change is made, it will likely be the one deployed vs Norwich.
GK: Darren Randolph
Randolph kept another clean sheet for Boro in their midweek clash with Wednesday as well as making a couple of good saves. He will start on Saturday.
RB: Ryan Shotton
Shotton has excelled at right back for Boro since Tony Pulis took over and has helped sturdy a shaky Boro backline. He will retain his place vs Norwich.
RCB: Daniel Ayala
Ayala has had a complete transformation under new boss Tony Pulis. Ayala looks like the player he once was back in the 2015/16 season. And he has also scored an impressive three goals for Boro during Pulis’s short spell in charge.
LCB: Ben Gibson
Gibson has remained the one constant in Middlesbrough’s back line this season and after keeping another clean sheet vs Wednesday, he will keep his place vs Norwich.
LB: George Friend
Friend is now seemingly Boro’s main left-back this season with Fabio’s future somewhat up in the air after he asked to leave in January and then never did. Friend will start on Saturday.
CDM: Jonny Howson
Howson will likely keep his place vs Norwich. However, Pulis will be hoping for a bit more forward thinking from his CM’s this time out.
CDM: Grant Leadbitter
Middlesbrough did manage to bring in Everton’s Besic on loan on deadline day. However, as he has not had a long time to get to know the team. Leadbitter will likely start in his place this weekend.
RM: Adama Traore
Traore was once again Middlesbrough’s shining light when they played Wednesday. He was the only attacker who really looked like he could cause any problems for Boro and he will keep his place this weekend.
CAM: Jack Harrison
Both Patrick Bamford and Marvin Johnson have had some really poor games in recent weeks. They have failed to create a lot for Boro and at times look to be hindering the attack. So, given Boro have just captured the exciting young winger Jack Harrison on loan from Manchester City, he could well find himself thrust straight into the starting XI. As his replacements have not exactly covered themselves in glory.
LM: Stewart Downing
Downing put in a decent display last time out for Boro. But he still didn’t create enough for the striker. He will be hoping he can put on a better display vs Norwich as Boro really need to win this game.
ST: Ruddy Gestede
Assombalonga started for Boro in their last game. However, he once again didn’t have a great game and missed a couple of key changes. This will likely mean Gestede will get the nod vs Norwich.
