Middlesbrough welcome automatic promotion hopefuls Leeds United to Teesside this evening.
Michael Carrick’s side have little riding on the game after their score draw at Ipswich Town, which allowed sixth-placed Norwich City to pull even further ahead.
Though, notwithstanding that, they’ll want to end the season strongly and could spoil Leeds’ potential promotion party.
Boro had into the affair in much better form but Leeds’ quality will certainly cause the hosts a few problems tonight.
With that said, Carrick should consider making this tactical tweak to keep Daniel Farke’s free-flowing attack at bay.
Michael Carrick should put Isaiah Jones up against Crysencio Summerville
Luke Ayling, who is on loan from Leeds, won’t be available to feature against his parent club tonight, so Boro will have to adapt.
Perhaps Carrick should deploy a three-at-the-back formation, with Isaiah Jones operating as a right-wing back.
Jones will have the pace to deal with Leeds’ jet-heeled winger Crycensio Summerville, who recently took home the Championship Player of the Season award.
Summerville has been a nightmare for opposing full-backs all season and few have been able to deal with his trickery.
The 21-year-old has netted 17 goals whilst laying on eight assists this term so Boro will need to be wary of his threat, particularly in transition.
Doubling up on Summerville could be an option, too, with Lewis O’Brien perhaps best suited to that instruction thanks to his terrific engine.
Middlesbrough can hurt Leeds United in transition
Playing a three-back system will allow Carrick’s side to play with real width, as Jones and potentially Alex Bangura assume the wing-back roles.
That sets Boro up well to quickly transition, with Leeds expected to dominate the ball and play on the front foot.
If that is the way the former Manchester United assistant opts to play, Emmanuel Latte Lath will be crucial in the game plan.
The 25-year-old must remain patient and be ready to make clever runs in behind the Leeds defence, who could push up high.
Further, Latte Lath may well receive more deliveries into the box than usual, as three-back is very much geared towards playing down the flank, rather than centrally.
A fascinating tactical battle awaits Carrick and Farke.