Traore And Assombalonga Start – Strongest 4-4-2 Middlesbrough Line-Up To Face Barnsley

Predicted Middlesbrough Line-up To Face Barnsley In EFL Championship

Boro have not been in sparkling form in the league of late, with two draws and a home defeat to the resurgent Norwich City leaving the Teessiders down in 11^th place, which is some way short of expectations to this point.

Garry Monk has belief in his squad however, and with Barnsley looking particularly weak, this is a great opportunity for Middlesbrough to make gains on the top six.

Formation: 4-4-2

Manager: Garry Monk

GK – Darren Randolph

The Irish international is not the ‘keeper Monk wanted during the summer, but he remains in decent form and should start between the sticks.

RB – Cyrus Christie

Despite bringing in Andre Wisdom, the decision by Derby to sell Christie was met with dismay by many and his performances have backed up his reputation as arguably the best right-back in this division.

CB – Ryan Shotton

Having eventually gotten their man, Shotton has played just once in the league for Boro but has had time to bed in during the international break and should line up alongside Gibson.

CB – Ben Gibson

It was a huge transfer window coup for Boro to even keep hold of Gibson. His presence is absolutely necessary from now if they are to climb into the play-off places by the New Year.

LB – George Friend

The ex-Man United man Fabio played last time and while he still possesses some quality, he doesn’t quite deliver what Christie does on the other side. If Friend returns, he should give a better balance to the back line.

RM – Adama Traore

The former Barca man still hasn’t scored this season and flatters somewhat to deceive, though his lightening pace will surely lead to good things for Boro eventually and he may start again on the right.

CM – Jonny Howson

The former Norwich and Leeds man is one of those enigmas; never quite looking good enough for the Premier League while often looking too good for the Championship.  He has quality, no doubt about it, and is a firm fixture now in the middle of the park.

CM – Adam Clayton

Very similar in quality to Howson and complementing him well, the pair may not produce goals but they remain solid in the middle. Clayton’s passing ability is good but the four in front of him really need to ensure they reach their full goal scoring potential.

LW – Marvin Johnson

The former Oxford man eventually got his move to the Championship and is proving his point. His presence on the left, and Traore’s on the right has given Boro a rather old fashioned look but one which may yet get them up.

SS – Martin Braithwaite

There’s an embarrassment of riches in forward positions for Boro, but the Dane may be called upon again here.

ST – Britt Assombalonga

Given the price tag, it would be unusual should he be dropped at this stage of the season despite the presence of Fletcher and others looking for game time.