Middlesbrough will be desperate to get back to winning ways this weekend.
Middlesbrough beat Swansea City 1-0 to kick off the Championship season, putting an end to a 10-year run of zero wins on the opening day.
Michael Carrick then watched his side smash Leeds United 3-0 in the first round of the League Cup a few days later.
After securing their first victory over Leeds in six years, however, Middlesbrough have really struggled in the league and cup.
Boro suffered a shock 1-0 defeat the hands of Derby County in their second Championship fixture of 2024/25.
Middlesbrough then drew 2-2 with Portsmouth before being knocked out of the League Cup by Stoke City on Tuesday.
The Teessiders are now set to take on Cardiff City in Wales in a 12:30pm BST kick-off on Saturday, August 31st.
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Middlesbrough team news for Cardiff City
Middlesbrough had 10 players missing for the aforementioned draw with Portsmouth last weekend.
Law McCabe and Sonny Finch both returned to action in midweek but Boro picked up a fresh injury concern versus Stoke when George McCormick twisted his ankle inside the first minute before being taken off at half-time.
McCormick has now joined Jonny Howson, Riley McGree, Rav van den Berg, Dael Fry, Darragh Lenihan, Alex Bangura, Tommy Smith and Marcus Forsst on the club’s extensive injury list.
Speaking after Stoke, as per Teesside Live, Carrick suggested a few players may be in with a chance of returning this weekend.
He said: “We’ll have to wait and see on a couple of the lads. They’re trying to be available and Saturday is still three or four days away, so we’ll see how it goes.”
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Middlesbrough predicted XI vs Cardiff City
With so many injury issues, Carrick does not have too much choice in who he starts this weekend.
Unless one of the above centre-backs is passed fit, Harley Hunt may have to partner Matt Clark in the centre of defence.
And while he only signed this week, Neto Borges should be in line for his first start at left-back following the shambolic display of Lukas Engel against Stoke.
Further forward, it is likely to be the same midfield and attack that started against Portsmouth as though they drew, Boro did score twice and created plenty of chances.
Here’s how we think Middlesbrough will line up against Cardiff on Saturday…
Dieng (GK)
Ayling
Hunt
Clarke
Borges
Hackney
Morris
Jones
Azaz
Burgzorg
Latte Lath