Middlesbrough are slowly but surely being dragged into a serious relegation scrap and their supporters here in the Tavern aren’t liking it one bit.

They started well, going unbeaten in three but fast-forward to the end of October and Aitor Karanka’s team sit 17th in the division.

They’re only out of the bottom three on goal difference and they have a tough game against Bournemouth coming up this weekend.

Eddie Howe’s Cherries are going well and will be extremely buoyed by their 6-1 tanking of Hull City and an encouraging draw against Spurs last weekend, and will be no easy opponents.

But Boro played well in their 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend and we’re actually tipping them to get the points this time out.

So with that in mind- how should Karanka lineup his troops for the crunch fixture?

Here;s our Boro XI that we think will overcome the Cherries on Saturday.,.

Victor Valdes

He’s now back from injury and former Barcelona man Victor Valdes really commanded his penalty area in the game against Arsenal.

His impressive display should give Boro real hope going forward.

Antonio Barragán

Another Spaniard in this back-four is Antonio Barragán, who moved to the Riverside this summer from Valencia.

The 29-year-old has plenty of experience in the top flight in Spain but with this being his first spell in England, he’s going to have to learn the ropes extremely quickly.

Daniel Ayala

Ayala was a massive part of Boro’s promotion success last campaign and this season, the Spaniard has started strongly once again.

Despite being just 25-years-old, he is a real leader in this back four and he’ll be an important player for Middlesbrough as the season progresses.

Ben Gibson

Young Englishman Ben Gibson is showing potential suitors exactly what he can do, giving a truly commanding performance against the Gunners last weekend.

He looked calm and composed on the ball, and when challenged by some of Arsenal’s biggest stars, he really stuck to his guns.

George Friend

George Friend is now in his fifth season with Boro and he’ll know just how much this Premier League opportunity will mean to everybody at the club.

He’s a solid option at full-back and whilst he might not give the most attacking option on the left, his resoluteness will be key in keeping a pacy Bournemouth front-line quiet.

Adama Traore

Former Villa reject Adama Traore is really beginning to show the doubters what he can do after a fantastic display at the Emirates.

He showed pace, power and desire getting forward and if he stays in this form, he’ll be huge in any Middlesbrough success this season.

Adam Clayton

Former Leeds United man Adam Clayton has settled into Premier League life extremely nicely indeed, especially considering he’s played in the Championship or below for the whole of his career.

He’s a robust but versatile option in midfield and it’s good to see him reaping the plaudits for some of Boro’s better play too.

Marten de Roon

Former Atalanta midfielder Marten de Roon has slotted into the Boro midfield with real ease after his summer move from Serie A.

He’s the player that gives this Middlesbrough side their physicality and when it comes to breaking up play and disrupting the opponents midfield, he’s been fantastic.

Stewart Downing

Club stalwart Stewart Downing is back at the Riverside after some time away and he’ll be delighted to be playing in the Premier League.

Many doubted his decision to drop down a tier last season but now, he needs to repay the faith his previous employers showed in him on the pitch.

Alvaro Negredo

Since netting in the opening game of the season, Alvaro Negredo has been a little quiet in the Boro forward line.

But he had a couple of efforts saved against Arsenal and looked a lot more menacing going forward.

He’ll hope to get back off the mark against Watford and he’s a player they won’t be looking forward to marshaling for the entire match.

Cristhian Stuani

We’d love to see Negredo given some support upfront and matchday one star Cristhian Stuani could be the man to help his strike partner out a little.

He scored a brace in Boro’s opening day win against Sunderland and he’s a man with a whole host of experience, particularly in top division in Italy.

If he can contribute as and when, Middlesbrough will be okay come the end of the season.

There are definitely poorer squads than theirs in the league.