Middlesbrough will face off against a lowly Millwall outfit in match week 28 of the 2018-19 EFL Championship at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Teessiders are currently placed fifth in the Championship standings, with 46 points on the board from 27 matches (W12, D10, L5), four points shy of the second automatic promotion spot occupied by Sheffield United.
Tony Pulis’ men secured a 1-2 away win against Birmingham City last time out they took the field, courtesy of strikes from Britt Assombalonga and Lewis Wing. And the manager will be hoping that his side put up another solid display and secure three points at home, as the race for playoff positions heats up.
Centre-back Aden Flint is unlikely to be unavailable once again, as he recovers from a hamstring problem, while Ryan Shotton is likely to miss out as well.
Here’s how Boro could take the field against Millwall come Saturday;
The 31-year-old Irish shot-stopper has managed to keep 13 clean sheets in 27 Championship outings this term but hasn’t been able to do so in the last two league outings. Must look to address that on Saturday.
The young English defender has been a constant presence in the starting XI for Middlesbrough this term when fit and available. That is unlikely to change this weekend.
The 28-year-old Spaniard has started seven fixtures in a row now in the Championship. Expect that streak to extend to eight games when Millwall come visiting.
With Aden Flint still recovering from an injury issue, Danny Batth, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, is expected to pair up alongside Ayala on Saturday.
At left-back, George Friend has been an ever-present in the line-up for Boro and that will once again be the case this weekend.
The 30-year-old Clayton has featured in all but one Championship outings for Middlesbrough in the ongoing campaign. Set to make his 27th appearance of the campaign.
The midfielder, who is on loan from Premier League outfit Everton, has chipped in with two goals and two assists in his 21 Championship outings for Boro. Expected to occupy the second pivot position in the middle of the park.
The 30-year-old Englishman is one of Pulis’ most trusted lieutenants and has not missed a single match in the second division this term, contributing with five assists in the process. Should line up on the right flank once again on Saturday.
The 23-year-old midfielder scored his first goal in the Championship against Birmingham City last weekend. Should look to build on that display against Millwall.
The 25-year-old Northern Ireland international has started the last couple of matches out on the left flank for the Teessiders. Likely to feature in the same role this Saturday.
While Assombalonga might have scored the winning goal against Birmingham last time out, Pulis is expected to stick with his preferred choice Jordan Hugill upfront this weekend.
