With Middlesbrough looking to secure their first points of the season against Huddersfield, we look at the XI that could be selected to get the job done and finally kick-start their season.
GK-Seny Dieng
No clean sheets as of yet for Boro’s new number one. He has had little or no protection at times though and cannot be blamed for too many of those goals conceded. It is unlikely to have affected his uber-confident nature too much just yet.
RB-Paddy McNair
Has deputised admirably in an unfamiliar position and crept forward a few times against Coventry. He is no right-back though and, when Tommy Smith and Anfernee Dijksteel return to fitness, whenever that may be, he will undoubtedly find himself back out of the side. Based on performances in the last two games, he has not done enough to suggest he will stay in the team; not at right-back, anyway.
CB-Darragh Lenihan
A big leader in a Boro side that contains lots of young players. Lenihan plays out well from the back but is occasionally caught out positionally from crosses. Has been unfairly exposed from time to time due to the way Carrick sets his team up. Definitely better with that bit more protection from someone like Howson in front of him.
CB-Dael Fry
One of the best centre-backs in the division on his day; Sol Bamba described him as ‘Premier League’ quality. Barring disaster, Fry will be on the team sheet come Saturday and will hope to get that first clean sheet on the board. Rav van den Berg has been brought in to offer competition in the centre-back spots and is a real talent. Fry must make sure his place is not placed under threat.
LB-Lukas Engel
Ordinarily, new signings are given time to acclimatise to their surroundings and are introduced gradually. It just feels like, with the season still in the early throws, it could be an opportunity to pitch new signing Engel straight in and give him an immediate taste of the hustle and bustle of English football. He should be about on a par with the fitness of the others, given the stage of the season we are at. That would be unfortunate for Coulson, who has not let himself down, but he isn’t the answer at left-back and Carrick knows that.
CM-Jonny Howson
He may be 35, but you cannot easily replace players who have the experience of playing 700 professional matches. He still has that zip and energy that we have so missed in the first two matches. Howson – when fit – is a big difference-maker in the Boro midfield. Hopefully he will have gained enough match fitness to start against the Terriers.
CM-Hayden Hackney
Hackney has had a different partner to start the season with in Barlaser. Dan Barlaser is a different type of midfielder who drops deep and sprays passes forward, which has altered the midfield dynamic slightly. Hackney and Howson are much more similar in terms of style and work more effectively as a partnership, with them both working in tandem and generally operating more closely as a pair. Hackney hasn’t found top gear yet, but he keeps showing for the ball and wants to make a difference.
RW-Isaiah Jones
Still trying to rediscover the scintillating form that saw him attract the interest of Premier League clubs. There have been moments where he has looked a bit more like his old self already this season. Decision-making is still a key area to focus on, but Carrick could persevere with Jones in the hope that he will have two wingers capable of wreaking havoc on opposing full-backs. Has to perform well with Forss waiting in the wings.
CAM-Riley McGree
Will have been disappointed to miss out on a starting spot last week against Millwall, especially as he has been one of the better attacking players in a Boro shirt so far. Could get the nod ahead of Crooks, who has struggled with form in the first few matches this campaign. McGree is much more mobile than Crooks and may link better with Rogers than the former Rotherham man.
LW-Sam Silvera
Guilty of squandering a golden opportunity last week at 1-0 when he scooped up and over the goal from six yards out, but the Aussie keeps getting in good positions and is creating chances. Has been bright during his early Boro career and looks to be enjoying life at the Riverside.
CF-Morgan Rogers
Struggling with the centre-forward position as a whole, but is definitely capable of playing in some capacity in this Boro side. His general play has shown promise and he had one run in particular against Millwall, where he drifted past four or five players before shooting narrowly wide. New arrivals could dictate the role he will play in the coming weeks, but he has plenty to offer his new club.