Predicted Middlesbrough Line-up To Face Aston Villa In The EFL Championship
Middlesbrough will travel to Birmingham this midweek, as they gear up to face Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa at the Villa Park, in the EFL Championship, on Tuesday night.
Garry Monk’s side find themselves at 6th place in the league table, with 10 points from 6 games – with 3 wins and a draw. The Teessiders come into the game on the back of an impressive 3-0 win over Bolton Wanderers away at the Macron Stadium over the weekend and a positive result against a struggling Villa side is very much on the cards for them.
Team News
Rudy Gestede is set to miss out after he picked up a freak injury in training last week. Summer signing Martin Brathwaite is on the road to recovery but Tuesday’s game might be too soon for him.
Manager: Garry Monk
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Darren Randolph (GK)
The former West Ham United man has established himself as the first-choice since moving to Boro in the summer window and was impressive in the weekend win. A definite starter I’d say.
Cyrus Christie (RB)
The right-back slot has been made his own by the 24-year old after joining from Derby County and has played every minute of Championship football so far this season. Another start beckons.
Dael Fry (CB)
The youngster has become a constant fixture in the heart of the defence for Boro. Has featured in all the Championship games except the season opener. Could very well take the field against Villa.
Ben Gibson (CB)
The 24-year old Englishman is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Monk and it is unlikely to change for the midweek encounter.
George Friend (LB)
The 29-year old did not feature in the previous game but could return to the starting line-up, with Fabio dropping to the bench.
Adam Clayton (CM)
The midfielder has started every single Championship game this season and is likely to retain his place in the middle of the park.
Jonny Howson (CM)
The new signing from Norwich City has settled in nicely with his new club. After having been benched for the game during the weekend, he could replace Grant Leadbitter on Tuesday.
Adama Traore (RW)
Had an excellent game against Bolton on Saturday and should retain his place on the right flank. Monk will be hoping for more of the same from the winger.
Lewis Baker (CAM)
The loanee from Chelsea has started the last three games in all competitions and should continue as the central attacking midfielder for Monk’s side.
Marvin Johnson (LW)
The former Oxford United man made his debut for Boro in the weekend, coming on from the bench, and found the back of the net. Should get a starting role in the place of Stewart Downing.
Britt Assombalonga (ST)
He looks like a great buy and he even scored a double against Bolton in the weekend game. Should lead the line against Villa.