Middlesbrough will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to West Ham this past weekend as they face Accrington Stanley in the fourth round of the FA Cup at the Riverside this Saturday. Our landlord here at the Transfer Tavern believes they can, for sure, prevent any kind of upset though they will have to play their best.
Boro suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Hammers in their last fixture at the Riverside, though perhaps the distraction of the cup can take some of the pressure off of Aitor Karanka. The Spaniard criticised the fans, though they will hope a convincing win over their League Two opposition can unite things somewhat.
We would imagine that the Spaniard will be taking this competition very seriously as a route, to not only a trophy, but the prospect of European football as well.
With that in mind, if Middlesbrough field this XI surely they will comfortably beat Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
GK: VICTOR VALDES
Although the side also boast USA International Brad Guzan as their second choice if they are to take this game and the competition seriously they must field their best possible eleven.
Valdes is by far their best stopper, so he should start.
RB: CALLUM CHAMBERS
The Arsenal loan star was a standout star for Boro against West Ham despite their defeat.
The 22-year-old provided a brilliant assist for Stuani and was superb at the back even as they conceded three goals.
He must play for Boro, even if they are playing Accrington Stanley.
CB: BEN GIBSON
Gibson has been a revelation at the back for Boro in the Premier League, he was superb in the Championship and has carried that on this season with his beloved Middlesbrough.
He’s been linked with a move away from the Riverside but it would take a lot for his club to allow him to leave.
CB: BERNARDO ESPINOSA
The Colombian had his critics for the first goal that his side conceded at the hands of Andy Carroll in the defeat to West Ham, but the former Sporting Gijon defender has been important for his side when he’s featured.
This game could help him regain his confidence from his side’s recent loss.
LB: GEORGE FRIEND
The 29-year-old has been superb when he’s been fit for Boro this season.
The defender has played throughout all the divisions in English professional football and understands the importance of the FA Cup. Will be crucial in getting forward, though needs to be wary of getting caught on the counter.
CDM: GRANT LEADBITTER
The Boro captain hasn’t been a regular feature in the side this season, with the brilliant Forshaw and reliable De Roon being favoured by Karanka.
But this type of game could mean that the club captain gets the nod in the side against Accrington.
CDM: ADAM FORSHAW
The stand out star in Boro’s midfield this season, having not really featured in the Championship last term.
However, when injury hit the Boro captain Leadbitter, Karanka had to turn to the former Everton man…and..well it worked very well for him.
Forshaw has been superb and could be set to play alongside the captain in this one.
RW: ADAMA TRAORE
The former Barca man has been superb for Middlesbrough since arriving from relegated Aston Villa in the summer.
His signing went under the radar and it was a superb addition by Karanka, at only 20-years-old he’s only going to get better. It’ll become increasingly hard to keep him at the club and he will surely cause the Accrington Stanley defence nightmares that’ll they need more than a pint at the tavern to get over!
CAM: VICTOR FISCHER
Formerly of Ajax, the superb Danish midfielder was another great bit of business by Karanka in the summer.
He’s not quite become a regular in the league but when he’s been on the field he always makes an impact. This would be a great game to show the fans just what it is he is capable of.
LW: CRISTHIAN STUANI
The goalscorer in their defeat last time out at the Riverside, he’ll be hoping to do the same but with a different outcome for his side in this fixture.
The Uruguayan international should be head and shoulders above the quality of his opponents this weekend and cause them all kinds of problems.
ST: PATRICK BAMFORD
Arriving recently from Chelsea, he’ll be looking to make an instant impact, as he did when he first arrived at the club in a loan deal a few years ago.
He’s struggled to convince at clubs in the Premier League, such as Norwich and Burnley recently, but this could give the dubbed future star his best chance yet. This game and helping his side through the FA Cup would be a great place to start for Bamford.
