Middlesbrough continued their charge into the playoffs in their last game when they beat Barnsley 3-1. Boro dominated much of the game and came away deserved winners.
They now face a slightly harder test when they travel to 11th place Brentford this weekend. A win for Boro could see them move up to 5th. While a loss could see them move down to 7th.
Here is how they might line up.
Formation: 4-3-3
After three wins a row using the 4-3-3, Pulis is very likely to opt for the same formation that has helped Boro mount a playoff charge when they take on Brentford this weekend.
GK: Darren Randolph
Randolph could have perhaps done a better to prevent Barnsley’s goal last weekend. However, he has largely been quality this season. he will keep his place vs Brentford.
RB: Ryan Shotton
Shotton continued his excellent run of form in Middlesbrough’s last game as he earned his second assist in two games. So, expect him to keep his spot this weekend.
RCB: Daniel Ayala
Ayala has undergone a huge resurgence in form under Tony Pulis at Boro. This was further emphasised vs Barnsley as he scored his fourth goal for Middlesbrough under Pulis.
LCB: Ben Gibson
Gibson had a decent game last time out. He and Daniel Ayala are starting to look like the centre back pairing that helped Boro to promotion in 2016. Which is exactly what Boro need now they have edged their way into a playoff spot
LB: George Friend
Fabio was in the matchday squad for the first time under Pulis last Saturday. However, he is still some way of full fitness. Meaning Friend is likely to get the nod at left back this weekend.
CDM: Muhamed Besic
Besic put in another excellent display in Middlesbrough’s last game. And it was clear when he was subbed off Boro lost a bit of their grip on the game showing what a key player the Everton man is. He will start vs Brentford.
CM: Jonny Howson
Howson put on one of his better displays when Boro took on Barnsley last week. He and Boro will be hoping for more of the same vs Brentford
CM: Adam Clayton
While Grant Leadbitter will be once again available for the Brentford game after serving a two-match ban, Pulis may well opt to keep Clayton in the side, given what a good game he had last time out.
RW: Adama Traore
Adama Traore was once again superb vs Barnsley. He scored Boro’s second of the day with a superb drilled shot from outside of the box. He is quickly becoming one of Middlesbrough’s MVP’s and he will start this weekend.
ST: Patrick Bamford
Bamford scored again in Middlesbrough’s last game putting his total to eight goals in five games. This is a superb record and something Bamford didn’t even manage in his last spell at Boro. Bamford will start vs Brentford.
LW: Stewart Downing
While Traore and Bamford have been grabbing the headlines for Middlesbrough, Stewart Downing has been key to the Teessider’s recent success. He will start on the left for Boro at Brentford.
