Predicted Middlesbrough Line-up To Face Bournemouth In The Carabao Cup
Middlesbrough, previously the favourites to win the Championship, are on a horrible run of form and I for one fully expected them to come good against Cardiff at the weekend. The fact that they lost again, with motivation supposedly at its highest, is a bad sign for the club.
This cup tie against Premier League side Bournemouth could provide them with a timely boost should they win. However, it remains to be seen what sort of team Garry Monk will put out given that they have another important league match hot on the heels of their south coast trip.
Boro reached this stage with a good 2-0 win away at Aston Villa in the last round and the boss may well pick a very similar line-up here.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Garry Monk
GK – Dimitrios Konstantopoulos
Could well come in for Randolph again to allow the number one alleviate any risk for the league games.
RB – Connor Roberts
Cyrus Christie is another who may be rested, given how important he is. Former Swansea man Roberts is perhaps the beneficiary.
CB – Daniel Ayala
Some experience in the back line will be crucial, and the Spaniard would provide it if he gets to start the game.
CB – Dael Fry
The youngster was introduced at half-time in the last round and he may be given a go from the start here in order to protect Ben Gibson.
LB – George Friend
Some may think Friend should be in the side ahead of Fabio anyway and all things being alright, he should play here.
CM – Jonny Howson
His inclusion would add some quality to the midfield and the former Norwich man could be crucial.
CM – Adam Forshaw
Another good passer of the ball, if Boro add some pace to their attack here, then his presence could make a big difference.
RW – Patrick Bamford
Still with a lot of potential, Bamford likes this sort of stage and could cause plenty of problems for Bournemouth.
CAM – Marcus Tavernier
Brother James had a disappointing League Cup date at the weekend, north of the border, perhaps Marcus can do a little better.
LW – Marvin Johnson
Having stepped up to the Championship comfortably, it would be wise to allow Johnson his head against a Premier League side.
ST – Ashley Fletcher
It would be perfectly acceptable to allow the young striker a chance against top level defenders. I also wouldn’t bet against him causing plenty of problems to Bournemouth.