Michael Carrick could hand several Middlesbrough players their first start for the club against Preston North End.
Boro host Paul Heckingbottom’s side at the Riverside Stadium in a 3pm Championship kick-off on Saturday, September 14th.
The Reds have beaten Preston 4-0 in their last two meetings in the North East and another win this weekend would see Middlesbrough end an unwanted 56-year record.
Should Michael Carrick guide his side to victory, Boro could end the game week in the play-off places.
Middlesbrough beat Cardiff City 2-0 in their last Championship fixture, moving them up to seventh in the table and within touching distance of the top six.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 5 |  BlackburnBlackburn | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 8 |
| 6 |  BurnleyBurnley | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 7 |
| 7 |  MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
| 8 |  Sheff UtdSheffield Utd | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| 9 |  Oxford UnitedOxford United | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 6 |
A Boro win over Preston is predicted for the game, though Carrick will have some big decisions to make when it comes to his starting line-up for the clash.
The ex-Manchester United man has several injury concerns to deal with, while he will need to select an eleven capable of breaking down the Lilywhites’ deep defensive block.
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Middlesbrough team news for Preston North End
As has been the case heading into every game so far this season, Middlesbrough have injury issues to deal with this week.
In a welcome boost for Carrick, Riley McGree has returned from injury and is available to feature against Preston.
Long-time absentee Marcus Forss is also back in training but the weekend’s clash will come too soon for the Finn.
Further back, Boro’s centre-back problems still remain with Rav van den Berg, Dael Fry and Darragh Lenihan all ruled out.
Middlesbrough captain Jonny Howson, who picked up a hamstring injury versus Leeds United last month, will also miss out against Paul Heckingbottom’s men.
Middlesbrough predicted XI vs Preston North End
After Tommy Conway struggled against Cardiff, Emmanuel Latte Lath is expected to come straight back into the starting line-up following his deadline day drama last month.
Behind the Ivorian, summer addition Ben Doak could be in line to make his first appearance for Middlesbrough.
Isaiah Jones’ form has dipped in recent weeks and the Scotland international could add something different down Boro’s right flank.
The returning McGree will also likely regain his starting berth on the left, with Delano Burgzorg dropping to the bench.
The rest of the Teessiders’ midfield should remain the same but changes are expected in defence.
George Edmundson was signed on August 30th to provide cover at centre-back and should now come into the team alongside Matt Clarke, which will allow Luke Ayling to revert back to his more natural right-back position.
Here’s how we think Middlesbrough will line up against Preston on Saturday…
Dieng (GK)
Ayling
Edmundson
Clarke
Borges
Hackney
Morris
Doak
Azaz
McGree
Latte Lath