Aitor Karanka has seen his Middlesbrough side slowly become embroiled with a battle at the lower end of the Premier League table, and he could well do with three points today against Everton.

Here in the Transfer Tavern, the Boro fans are getting itchy feet over their Premier League status, and talk over at the pool table has been about how they can get past the Toffees.

Everton were rampant last time out in a 6-3 win over Bournemouth, and Karanka will be well aware of the attacking talent the Toffees will have on display.

Our landlord thinks that the Spaniard can guide Boro to three points though, and we agree.

With that in mind, here are TWO things Karanka needs to do to stop the rot for Middlesbrough against Everton today…

Start positively

Karanka’s team are not known for their goals, but to get past Everton, the likelihood is that they are going to need to hit the back of the net more than once this afternoon.

Starting on the front foot and really attacking Everton could be the way to go for Boro, and if they can nick an early goal, it will galvanise the whole stadium.

Stop the supply line to Lukaku

One thing is obvious, and that is that Romelu Lukaku is a man in form, and a man who needs to be stopped.

Key to Karanka doing this could be to stop the supply line in to the big striker. His hold up play and finishing against Bournemouth was world class, so stopping the ball actually getting to him could be crucial.

If Boro do manage to stop Lukaku, then they could give themselves a tremendous chance of walking away with three points today.