Our Middlesbrough fans here in the Transfer Tavern have been quite concerned with their team’s recent results.
Aitor Karanka’s side haven’t won in the league since December of last year, when striker Alvaro Negredo bagged a brace to steer Boro to a dominant 3-0 win against Swansea.
Currently standing as the lowest scoring side in the league, and with only two goals in their last four games, our landlord reckons it’s time for a change Middlesbrough starting XI.
In fairness to Karanka, the manager has made an attempt to bolster the side’s firepower, recently signing strikers Rudy Gestede and Patrick Bamford in the January transfer window.
However, if results are to change at the Riverside Stadium, Karanka has to put some faith in his new signings. Taking this into account, this XI will surely give Boro a good chance this weekend when they travel to White Hart Lane – according to our landlord…
GK – Victor Valdes
The Spaniard has been relatively solid for Boro this season, racking up a total of five clean sheets for his side.
RB – Antonio Barragan
An influential figure in Middlesbrough’s defence this season, Barragan has been stellar since making the move from Valencia in the summer of last year.
CB – Ben Gibson
Of course there is no change for this half of the centre-back role. Captain Ben Gibson is one of the few Boro players to start and finish every league game they have played this season.
CB – Bernardo
Injuries to usual choices Calum Chambers and George Friend have seen a starting role of late for Bernado in Boro’s defence, with the lack of rotation in this role, it will stay this way on Saturday.
LB – Fabio
The ex-Manchester United defender certainly has a gas tank which allows him to make threatening runs down the flank from his full-back position.
RM – Cristhian Stuani
Due to Uruguayan Gaston Ramirez out with an injury, it’s been up to the likes of Stuani to create things. He needs more consistency in his game though.
CM – Adam Forshaw
Our landlord here in the Tavern reckons Forshaw is the glue that holds Boro’s midfield together. Featuring in every league game this season, his anchor like role has led him to being one of Middlesbrough’s most underrated players.
CM – Adam Clayton
Known for his slick hair and long beard, Clayton has been a big piece of the puzzle when providing Boro’s front men the goods this season.
LM – Adama Traore
The attacking midfielder/winger will be played out wide for this game according to our landlord. Karanka has to value the amount of improvement Traore has made over the last few months.
ST – Alvaro Negredo
In a signing that shocked many, Negredo has been Boro’s talisman all season. Tallying up six league goals, it’s about time the Spaniard received a bit of support up top.
ST – Patrick Bamford
Dubbed as the next big thing in his time at Chelsea, Bamford has never been given that time to prove his worth. Our landlord reckons it’s finally time for Karanka to give Bamford his first Premier League start this Saturday for the Boro.
