Middlesbrough’s last game was a thoroughly disappointing affair. They drew 3-3 with the bottom of the league Sunderland after conceding several really poor goals. This has greatly dampened Boro’s promotion hopes as they struggle to beat the top teams in the league meaning their promotion push was largely dependent on them beating the bottom half sides. After failing to beat the worst side in the league, a lot of people are now questioning if Boro can actually earn a playoff spot this season.
Middlesbrough now face Leeds United this weekend and are in desperate need of a win to gain back valuable points on the top six and to silence the doubters.
Here is how they might line up.
Formation: 4-3-3
Bamford will likely start up top given his impressive goalscoring form lately. And also given Boro’s shortage of attacking midfielders, Boro’s best option would probably by the 4-3-3 given that they have Gestede is injured and Assombalonga is not playing well.
GK: Darren Randolph
Randolph didn’t have the best game vs Sunderland although he still made a couple of good saves. He will hope to be back to keeping cleans sheets vs Leeds.
RB: Ryan Shotton
Shotton also didn’t have his best day vs Sunderland as he could have done more about their first goal. However, he will start vs Leeds as he is Boro’s best right back.
RCB: Daniel Ayala
Ayala could also be partly to blame for their first goal. But he too should keep his place vs Leeds given the drastic improvement in form he has shown lately.
LCB: Ben Gibson
Gibson put on another weak display vs Sunderland as he has done for some weeks now. However, Pulis will once again pick him to start on Saturday.
LB: George Friend
Friend was one of the worst players on the pitch in Middlesbrough’s last game. But he to will start vs Leeds as he is still Boro’s only left back other than Fabio who has not made a matchday squad since January.
CDM: Muhamed Besic
Besic had a decent game vs Sunderland which saw him set up one of Bamford’s goals. He will very likely keep his spot vs Leeds. Especially if Pulis goes with a three-man midfield.
CM: Grant Leadbitter
Leadbitter gave Middlesbrough the lead at one point in the match vs Sunderland as he calmly slotted away a penalty. Boro also suffered a lot when he was subbed of. So, he will likely start again vs Leeds.
CM: Jonny Howson
If Boro does go with a three-man midfield Howson will likely be the one to get the nod over Clayton who is still seemingly out of favour at Middlesbrough.
RW: Adama Traore
To the shock of many Boro fans, Adama Traore successfully appealed his red card against Sunderland. So, he is now available for the Leeds game and is very likely to start.
ST: Patrick Bamford
Given how well Bamford has done in front of goal in his last two games. And how badly Assombalonga has done, it is likely Pulis will start Bamford up top vs Leeds as he does look to have regained some of his confidence back from the 2014/15 season.
LW: Stewart Downing
Downing didn’t have a great game last time out as he created very little. He will hopefully improve on that when he starts on Friday.
