Middlesbrough will be looking to get back to winning ways when they face off against Queens Park Rangers at the Loftus Road on Saturday.
Tony Pulis’ side are without a win in their last three Championship outings (D2, L1), and come into the weekend’s encounter on the back of a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers. The winless run has seen them slip down to the sixth position in the table, seven points behind leaders Norwich City.
The Teessiders must be aiming to bring an end to the recent run of results and close down the gap to the leaders with a victory on Saturday.
Dael Fry missed the last game with a head injury but should be back in contention for the weekend encounter. On-loan defender Sam McQueen is out with an ACL injury, while Rudy Gestede is also a doubt to feature. Muhamed Besic is suspended for the game, after being sent off against Blackburn.
Here’s how Boro might take the field against the Hoops this weekend;
The 31-year-old is the undisputed first-choice in goal for the Teesside outfit and that is unlikely to change for their trip to the Loftus Road this weekend.
The young Englishman is one of the most promising young talents in the Championship. Having missed the last game with an injury, he should return to the line-up at right-back, replacing Ryan Shotton.
The summer signing has been a huge hit at the Riverside this season. A definite starter at the heart of the defence for the Teessiders.
The on-loan Wolves defender has been used sparingly by Pulis this term. He is in line for a run out against QPR on Saturday afternoon, having sat out of the last game.
An ever-present in the backline for Middlesbrough, the 31-year-old George Friend should continue to feature at left-back against Steve McClaren’s side.
The 29-year-old Englishman has featured in all but one Championship fixture this season for the Teessiders. Should make his 21st league appearance on Saturday.
The 21-year-0ld is regarded highly in and around the club. With Besic suspended, Pulis should look to give the youngster a go in the middle of the park against QPR.
The former Liverpool man has scored twice and set up one more in 20 Championship appearances this term. Should hold on to his spot on the right flank.
The 30-year-old hasn’t missed a single game in the English second division for Pulis’ side this term, chipping in with four assists in the process. A definite starter in the attacking midfield role.
The teenage wide-man has scored three and set up two more in his 11 first-team appearances this season. Should get the nod on the left flank against QPR.
The Middlesbrough No.9 rescued a point against Blackburn, scoring a goal after coming on from the bench. Should start as the lone striker ahead of Jordan Hugill.
