How we think Middlesbrough will line-up on Boxing Day against Blackburn Rovers
Middlesbrough players(Image: PA)
Middlesbrough will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat under Kim Hellberg when they host Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day.
Boro were beaten 2-0 by Bristol City on Saturday, but their performance largely pleased the new head coach, who otherwise won all four of his first games in charge.
Now back to the Riverside for a sold out Boxing Day game, You have to back seven years to 2018 for the last time Boro lost a December 26 game on home turf. As they look to rebound from defeat, here’s how we predict the Boro line-up will look against Blackburn.
GK – Sol Brynn – Will be looking to rebound from his error at Bristol City, and will be boosted by his new contract this week. Hopefully, if needed, he reacts to this error like his last, when he followed the Portsmouth game with an inspired performance against Ipswich, including saving a penalty, to help Boro win.
DR – Callum Brittain – One of Boro’s top performers of the season, Brittain doesn’t appear to need extra motivation, but you can guarantee he’ll have it for this one against his former side.
DC – Luke Ayling – Boro have players back in training ahead of this game to boost their options. That means Dael Fry could potentially return to the side. But it seems more realistic that he makes the bench and Ayling retains his place.
DC – Alfie Jones – Jones continues to be a solid performer for Boro this season. Though he doesn’t have natural speed to cope comfortably with the high defensive line under Hellberg, he nevertheless seems to always do enough.
DL – Alex Bangura – Harsh maybe on Matt Targett, but he wasn’t at his best at Bristol City and Bangura had been an important player in Hellberg’s first three wins. Back on home turf it feels logical to get Bangura back in the side.
CM – Alex Gilbert – Restored to the team at Bristol City, he was left a little exposed early on, but still battled hard throughout and stuck to the task. He should keep his place.
CM – Alan Browne – Don’t worry, we’re not dropping Hayden Hackney. But, with Riley McGree’s injury in mind, we’re predicting Browne returns to the side to partner Gilbert in midfield.
RW – Morgan Whittaker – Didn’t manage to equal the Championship record for consecutive games scored in, but came close on a few occasions at Ashton Gate. It was another bright display even without the goal. Long may his form continue.
LW – Hayden Hackney – Though listed as a left winger, under Hellberg the role has been very narrow and fluid. In the absence of McGree, Hellberg turned to Sverre Nypan at Bristol City, but the Norwegian’s struggles continued. Sontje Hansen and Delano Burgzorg are capable of playing the role, but perhaps in a different way to McGree. Though not his best position, Hackney would be capable of playing this role and linking play in the same way as the Australian.
ST – Tommy Conway – Didn’t manage to grab another goal at his former home last weekend, but many journalists of Bristol City persuasion noted after how sharp he looked. He’s proven on many occasions how important he is to Boro.
ST – David Strelec – Didn’’t get the service he needed to threaten a goal at Bristol City but has generally been more positive since Hellberg’s arrival. He and Conway need this run of games together to develop as a partnership.
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