An indifferent run of results has seen a bit of insecurity creep amongst our resident Middlesbrough fans in the Transfer Tavern with their side just four points above the relegation zone going into this weekend’s game with West Ham.

The last two Premier League games have seen no goals scored but our landlord believes that the signing of Rudy Gestade from Aston Villa will take the goal burden of Alvaro Negrado – who has very much carried the goal scoring torch this season.

There is no doubt that Aitor Karanka will look to boost his squad with further signings this January transfer window but he will want some positive results to bolster their league position.

Boro’s last fixture against West Ham ended in a 1-1 draw which saw Christian Stauni’s goal cancelled out by a certain Dimitri Payet in a game marred by crowd arrests after the match.

The game at the Riverside at the weekend promises to be much different and if Karanka picks this XI, our landlord thinks they have every chance of a positive result…

GK: Victor Valdes

Valdes returned from injury last weekend against Watford and will keep his place for this game.

RB: Bernardo

With Antonio Barragan struggling with an injury we expect Bernardo to keep his place from the game against Watford.

CB: Calum Chambers

The Arsenal loanee has showed his versatility whilst at Boro, showing solid displays at right back and centre back.

CB: Ben Gibson

A fans favourite among the resident Boro fans in the Transfer Tavern, Gibson has been instrumental in a defence which has only conceded 22 goals this season.

LB: Fabio da Silva

Our Landlord believes that Fabio’s performances this season will edge him ahead of George Friend for this game.

CM: Marten de Roon

De Roon is vital in breaking up the play of Boro’s opponents and our andlord expects his role to be no different on Saturday.

CM: Grant Leadbitter

The Boro captain will look to control the midfield as Karanka looks for his midfield to retain most of the possession.

CM: Adam Forshaw

The former Wigan man has been a regular fixture in Boro’s midfield and featured in every game this season making 19 starts in the process.

RW: Cristhian Stuani

Already a cult hero with our resident Boro fans in the Transfer Tavern, Stauni will be looking to score against West Ham for the second consecutive game.

ST: Alvaro Negredo

Our landlord believes the burden placed on Negrado is lighter following the signing of Rudy Gustade, however the Spaniard still remains Boro’s main goal threat.

LW: Adama Traore

Our landlord believes Karanka will use the pace of Traore to get at and in behind an unsettled West Ham squad and cause uncertainty in the final third for the Hammers.