Predicted Middlesbrough Line-up To Face Derby County In The EFL Championship
This is a massive game in the Championship playoff race, with these two giants of the league battling it out to get into either 5th or 6th in the league.
Middlesbrough come into the game in slightly better form, with two wins and a draw in their last four, whereas Derby have only had two wins in their last four. It will be an exciting game at the Pride Park Stadium.
Probable Middlesbrough XI
Manager: Tony Pulis
Formation: 4-3-3
Darren Randolph (GK)
Randolph has been excellent this season on the few occasions that an attack has got past his defenders. He leads from the back.
George Friend (LB)
Friend has been in great form the last few games for Middlesbrough and was on the scoresheet in the previous game as well. He has been excellent both defensively and offensively.
Ben Gibson (CB)
Gibson has formed an excellent partnership with Ayala this season and will be hoping for another strong showing against a dangerous Derby attack.
Daniel Ayala (CB)
Ayala has been fantastic in central defence for Middlesbrough this season. He had an excellent game against Bristol City and managed to grab a goal as well.
Ryan Shotton (RB)
Shotton is an experienced right-back who actually once played for Derby. Will be looking to prove they were wrong to let him go.
Muhamed Besic (CM)
An excellent passer of the ball and pulls the strings in the midfield. Should’ve done better with his chances against Bristol City as he had seven shots. He will be looking for a goal here.
Grant Leadbitter (CM)
Leadbitter is back after his suspension for two yellow cards in the game against Sheffield United and may come straight back into the squad for this game. He is a combative midfielder who passes well and often gets a couple of attacking chances as well.
Adam Clayton (CM)
The central-midfielder has performed well in the middle of the park. He tackles well and breaks up the opposition play effectively.
Adama Traore (RW)
On his day, Traore can absolutely terrorise a defence and up against the 36-year-old Chris Baird, he will really fancy his chances on Saturday.
Stewart Downing (LW)
Downing has had a decent season for Middlesbrough but would’ve been hoping to pick up a few more than 2 goals in 35 appearances. Perhaps he can make up for it in the last few games of the season and secure Middlesbrough’s playoff place.
Britt Assombalonga (ST)
Assombalonga has scored 13 goals in 29 starts this season, which is actually a better record than that of Bamford, who has started the last few games. Assombalonga should come back into the squad here as Bamford injured himself in the previous match. Will be hoping to show Pulis what he has been missing.