Predicted Middlesbrough line-up to face West Brom in the Championship
Middlesbrough will travel south to the Hawthorns this weekend, as they gear up to take on fellow promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion in matchday 30 of the 2018-19 EFL Championship.
Boro are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, with their latest match ending in a 1-1 draw against Newport County in the FA Cup. The Teessiders are currently stationed in the fourth place in the league standings, with 47 points from 28 matches (W12, D11, L5).
With just three points separating them from their Saturday’s opponents, who occupy the fourth spot in the table, Tony Pulis’ team will be looking to cut down that gap with a victory, having already defeated the Baggies earlier this season.
Team News
No injury or suspension worries for Pulis to contend with, heading into Saturday’s encounter.
Predicted Middlesbrough XI
Manager: Tony Pulis
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Darren Randolph (GK)
An ever-present in the starting XI for Middlesbrough this season, the former West Ham United man is expected to start again on Saturday at the Hawthorns.
Dael Fry (RB)
The 21-year-old wasn’t involved in the cup tie against Newport County this past weekend but should replace Ryan Shotton at right-back on Saturday.
Daniel Ayala (CB)
The Spanish centre-half scored Boro’s only goal of the game against Newport County and had scored the late winner against the Baggies in the reverse fixture in August last year. He is set to make his 22nd Championship appearance of the season this weekend.
Aden Flint (CB)
The fit-again defender returned to the starting XI against Newport County and should be in the team once again this week.
George Friend (LB)
The 31-year-old is the only senior left-back available at Pulis’ disposal and will once again feature from the kick-off for the Teessiders.
Adam Clayton (CM)
The English midfielder made an appearance from the bench at the weekend but should be reinstated to the starting line-up for the trip to Hawthorns.
Muhamed Besic (CM)
The on-loan Everton man wasn’t involved in the cup tie against Newport County. Has been a regular in Pulis’ teams in the league and that is unlikely to change this weekend.
Jonny Howson (RW)
The 30-year-old midfielder has featured in every Championship match for the Teesside outfit this season and has contributed with five assists. Did not feature in the FA Cup and should start against the Baggies.
Lewis Wing (CAM)
The 23-year-old has impressed in the No.10 role in the past few matches and has come up with returns of three goals and four assists from 20 matches in all competitions. He should hold on to his spot in the lineup.
George Saville (LW)
Having made his loan move from Millwall to a permanent one earlier this month, the former Chelsea academy product has made a solid impression this term. Another start beckons for the Northern Irishman on the left flank.
Jordan Hugill (ST)
Spearheading the attack for the Teesside outfit against Darren Moore’s side will be Pulis’ main man Jordan Hugill, who has scored six goals in the Championship this term.
