Middlesbrough continue their 2024 pre-season campaign this weekend with a meeting versus Doncaster Rovers.
Middlesbrough are set to play out their third proper pre-season fixture on Saturday, July 27th.
Michael Carrick is preparing his side for the 2024/25 Championship season, which is just over two weeks away.
Boro began their pre-season by beating Bolton Wanderers 3-0 on July 20th.
This was followed by a midweek fixture with local side Gateshead. Middlesbrough looked less impressive in that tie but a returning Darragh Lenihan earned the Teessiders a 1-0 win.
Boro now travel to the Eco-Power Stadium to take on Doncaster Rovers at 2pm BST on Saturday.
Middlesbrough team news
Middlesbrough’s 2023/24 season was marred by injury issues all across the pitch.
The majority of the players who suffered last term have now returned to full training, including the aforementioned Lenihan.
However, several first-team stars are expected to miss the trip to Yorkshire this weekend.
Marcus Forss and Tommy Smith are expected to miss Middlesbrough’s Championship opener vs Swansea City so they will, of course, not be involved this weekend.
Alex Bangura was absent for the club’s first two pre-season games due to injury and the recent birth of his child and will likely not be involved this weekend.
On a more positive note, Dael Fry’s injury return timeline was revealed by Carrick after he missed the Gateshead match, and Fry could be back fit to face Doncaster.
How will Middlesbrough line up vs Doncaster Rovers
Carrick has been keen to share minutes around in pre-season so far but a couple of names should be in line for more action this weekend.
A pundit offered his verdict on new signing Aidan Morris after his 30-minute cameo against Gateshead in midweek.
Morris shone during his short time on the pitch and after two appearances from the bench, should be in line to start against Doncaster.
Josh Coburn may also be given more of an opportunity to impress in the striker role after playing backup to Emmanuel Latte Lath so far this summer.
Here’s how we think Middlesbrough will line up against Doncaster on Saturday…
Dieng (GK)
Ayling
Fry
Clarke
Engel
Howson
Morris
Finch
Azaz
Burgzorg
Coburn