As Middlesbrough look to arrest their horrific early Championship form, we take a look at the predicted Boro side Michael Carrick could put out for the clash away to Blackburn Rovers.
The international break has been a busy one for a number of Boro players, which may effect the selection process. Paddy McNair, who has not had the best run of form for Boro, endured a difficult time away with Northern Ireland, whereas Hayden Hackney will be buoyed by his England Under 21 performance.
Lewis O’Brien and Sam Greenwood will be pressing to make the first eleven, with Isaiah Jones enjoying a mini-revival of late and could also lay claim to a starting spot.
Players like Sam Silvera and Morgan Rogers could be given a bit of time out of the limelight whilst they continue to take on instructions of how Carrick wants them to operate. That’s something we consiered with this predicted Boro side.
Middlesbrough fans have called for Aussie Riley McGree to feature from the off, but he played for his country in the US, and so the head coach will have to weight up how fresh he will be.
Predicted Boro side for Saturday
GK-Seny Dieng
He has not enjoyed a great start to his Boro career in terms of goals conceded, but it is a harsh reflection on him as an individual. He has not done too much wrong and Carrick will be happy with his distribution and his overall contribution to the way the side tries to play. Hopefully, he is not sold down the river by individual defensive errors on Saturday.
RB-Rav van den Berg
Tommy Smith will be available again following his suspension, and could well be favoured. But he has had a bit of a torrid time since returning from injury. He compounded a poor showing with a red card against West Brom and with van den Berg in relatively good form and coming off the back of good performances for the Under 21 Netherlands side, he could sneak in at right-back. van den Berg, a centre-back by trade could also allow Engel to play higher up the pitch, tucking in alongside Fry and Lenihan.
Paddy McNair has operated at right-back but arrives back at Boro having played two 90-minute games and off the back of two poor results against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.
CB-Dael Fry
Has been exposed a few times this season, but not necessarily in individual duels, more so by the lack of a defensive screen in front of him. Fry-on his day-remains as good a defender as any in this league. Hard to imagine he will be replaced for this game.
CB-Darragh Lenihan
Has been one of Boro’s most vocal leaders on the pitch. Has a very assured calmness about his playing style. Wins lots of individual battles too. Like Fry, has been let down by the defensive efforts of those around him on more than one occasion. Will be desperate to get that clean sheet against his old club.
LB-Lukas Engel
A tough start for the former Silkeborg man. He is improving despite a couple of early mistakes and you can see the components are there, he just needs to stay switched on. Now has the added competition of Alex Bangura who will push for a starting place.
CM-Hayden Hackney
Probably one of, if not the first name on the sheet. He has shown himself to be imperative to the way Boro want play. Rarely wastes a pass and can do it all. It will be interesting to see whether he is deployed in his usual position, or whether O’Brien is introduced alongside him and Howson. A midfield three would presumably offer Hackney greater license to get forward, and we know he likes to get on the score-sheet.
Carrick tends to prefer the 4-2-3-1 set-up, so we have gone with Hackney in a two-man midfield.
CM-Lewis O’Brien
Ironically, a lot has been made about Boro buying players as opposed to loaning them, yet the loan signing of O’Brien could prove one of the most significant moves made by the club. His knowledge and application at this level is excellent. He will help the defence with his engine and his commitment to winning the ball back. Howson was missed when he was out of the side, but O’Brien will help in that area and with games coming thick and fast, it means MC can manage Howson and his game time more effectively.
RW-Marcus Forss
The Finn got off the mark with a goal against West Brom, and there is no reason why he can’t amass the tally he reached last season. If he continues to get himself in situations where he can shoot, he will always get goals. he constantly tries to fashion a yard to either fizz it across the box or take a shot himself. His directness can prove effective for Boro, especially during counter-attacks.
CAM-Sam Greenwood
Despite some nice touches and runs, it has not quite clicked for Morgan Rogers yet, though it is very early in his Boro career. He may just be given a breather whilst Sam Greenwood is given an opportunity to show what he is capable of. Greenwood is a confident lad who can operate in a number of positions, including up front. He may be able to play off Latte Lath with a little bit more success than other suitors, given his footballing intelligence.
LW-Isaiah Jones
Izzy has looked much more like his old self recently. When he has that cheeky swagger, with the little touches here and there, the flicks around the corner in tight positions and the drag-backs, he looks like the player who burst onto the scene a couple of years ago. Funnily enough, Carrick has recently had him operate on the left side, where he originally started his Boro career. With Forss on the opposite flank, Boro would have two very quick wide men who could sting the opposition on counter-attacking breaks.
ST-Emannuel Latte Lath
He has got his first goal, which will have helped him settle. Now the challenge for the explosive forward is, to take as many clear opportunities as he can. As alluded to by experts who have seen him play, he seems to be striker who will miss one or two before getting one, but as long as he keeps getting those chances, I am sure Boro will be happy with the Ivorian. Another goal against Blackburn would be great for his confidence.
Do think this predicted Boro side will take to the pitch at the weekend?