[Image] Predicted 5-4-1 Middlesbrough XI to face Sheffield Wednesday – can Boro get a Boxing Day win?

Predicted Middlesbrough line-up to face Sheff Wednesday in the Championship

Middlesbrough will be looking to build on from their win over Reading when they face Sheffield Wednesday at the Riverside Stadium in a Boxing Day fixture. Tony Pulis’ men weren’t very impressive on Saturday but got the job done. They are fourth in the table and pretty much in the hunt to finish in the top-six, meaning they could be in the promotion playoffs come May.

However, the summer is still far away. Boro need to take it game by game and the next one against Wednesday is around the corner. The Owls have sacked their manager, hence, the team will be eager to give a good account of themselves. Thus, it won’t be easy for Pulis and his men.

Team News

Ryan Shotton, Rudy Gestede and Sam McQueen are out for this game. Other than that, Pulis has a wide enough squad to pick his line-up from.

Probable Middlesbrough XI

Formation: 5-4-1

Manager: Tony Pulis

Darren Randolph (GK)

An ever-present for Boro in goal. He makes some crucial saves for the team.

Paddy McNair (RWB)

With Shotton out, expect McNair to start at right wing-back. The latter did that by replacing the former early on against Reading.

Daniel Ayala (RCB)

Ayala has been immense at the back for Boro. He starts every league game.

Aden Flint (CB)

The heart of this team’s defence flourishes in the experience of Flint. A sure starter.

Dael Fry (LCB)

The youngster has been impressive this season. No wonder Liverpool were interested in him.

George Friend (LWB)

The experience of Friend at left wing-back is always helpful to the team. He is defensively strong and can be a threat from set-pieces.

Jonny Howson (RW)

He produced the pass of the game against Reading and works well down the right channel. He should start this game.

Lewis Wing (CM)

Muhamad Besic wasn’t up to the races against Reading. Wing replaced him and added a fresh energy to the midfield. The latter should start.

Adam Clayton (CM)

Clayton has been at the heart of midfield doing all the work a hard-working midfielder should do. He should start alongside Wing

George Saville (LW)

He has been good in bits but Pulis and Boro fans would be hoping for more from the winger.

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Britt Assombalonga (ST)

He is expected to continue leading the line. The 26-year-old gives everything for the team and is a genuine threat to the defenders.