Traore And Assombalonga To Start – Predicted 4-3-3 Middlesbrough Lineup For The Game Against Preston North End

Predicted Middlesbrough Lineup To Face Preston North End In The EFL Championship

Boro’s home form and away form have been chalk and cheese this season, something they hope that it continues here after losing their last league game away at Nottingham Forest.

Confidence remains high after a comfortable 3-0 win against Scunthorpe in midweek in the EFL Cup and another Riverside home win is anticipated. Adama Traore’s pace may be introduced from the beginning this time in a typical Garry Monk 4-3-3 line-up:

Manager: Garry Monk

Formation: 4-3-3

GK – Darren Randolph

Quietly doing the business at the back for Boro, Monk took a while to find a ‘keeper and he has found one in Randolph. So there’s no reason to think he’d drop the former West Ham man.

RB – Cyrus Christie

The ex-Derby man is a great signing for this level and will once more put in a solid display at right-back.

CB – Dael Fry

It’ll be a shame if his partnership with Gibson cannot go on beyond this month. For now though, they have been solid and can continue together.

CB – Ben Gibson

Gibson has England ambitions for next year’s World Cup and probably won’t get there by playing in this league. For now though he remains one of Boro’s most important and influential players.

LB – George Friend

Another solid member of this squad, there are many left-backs in this division who won’t match up to Friend.

CM – Jonny Howson

The former Leeds man looks like a good signing for Monk and his experience and nous could be crucial once again.

CM – Adam Clayton

Both Clayton and Forshaw were better than the credit they were given in the Premier League last season, albeit in a slightly different formation, and they should continue their midfield partnership.

CM – Adam Forshaw

Vulnerable to a substitution, but should start the game at least and provide some quality passing.

RW – Adama Traore

The young flier may start on the right here in the place of Patrick Bamford, with his pace adding a totally different dimension to the game.

LW – Rudy Gestede

Has more of a penchant for staying narrow rather than providing width, but remains a major goal threat and backs up Assombalonga perfectly. Others are champing at the bit to get a chance though so watch out for the introductions of Bamford, Baker and Fletcher.

ST – Britt Assombalonga

The former Nottingham Forest man didn’t enjoy his return to the City Ground but will clearly be too strong for the lesser lights in the league, especially at home.