Predicted Middlesbrough Lineup For The Opening Day Fixture Against Wolverhampton Wanderers
In the standout game of the opening weekend in the Championship, at least to the keen eye, Boro have a tough away trip to negotiate, against a fellow big-spending team.
Garry Monk likes the now familiar 4-2-3-1 formation and should work well with this squad, though there is now fierce competition for some positions, most notably for the number nine one. At Molineux, we may well see the following eleven go to war:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Garry Monk
GK – Darren Randolph
The ‘keeper brings more Premier League experience to the club and is a step up on what they had previously.
RB – Cyrus Christie
I’m not criticising Gary Rowett for signing Andre Wisdom, as Wisdom may simply suit his system more at Derby. But getting rid of Christie was strange as he’s possibly now the best right-back in this league and that’s obviously something not lost on Garry Monk.
CB – Daniel Ayala
It’s easy to forget that the Spaniard is only 26 and is getting better. A good partner for Gibson.
CB – Ben Gibson
The England World Cup hopeful really needs to be in the Premier League but for now, he can step comfortably into this line-up and look after the Wolves striker.
LB – George Friend
Another solid Boro player, he can get in with things at left-back and will let nobody down.
CM – Adam Forshaw
A Boro fan would know better who should play in this position between Forshaw and Clayton, but both have talent and only one may be used now that Howson is at the club.
CM – Jonny Howson
An astute signing for the deeper midfield positions and the experienced former Leeds and Norwich man will be a calming influence.
RW – Adama Traore
If the lad adds a finished touch to his play he will be very, very dangerous. For now though, even as a rough diamond, he is massive in this league and will terrify Barry Douglas.
CAM – Marten de Roon
It seems de Roon doesn’t see his long term future in this league, but if he can be convinced that better players than him have played in this division (and they have), then he can be a crucial part of Boro’s promotion campaign.
LW – Gaston Ramirez
The talented Uruguayan is possibly too good for this league and can make a huge impact, wherever he plays in this lineup.
ST – Britt Assombalonga
The likes of Martin Braithwaite, Rudy Gestede and of course Ashley Fletcher will covet this position but you’d imagine Assombalonga will get the nod this time.
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