Even with half the deck missing, Michael Carrick could decide to reshuffle his pack for the trip to Huddersfield in an attempt to keep his troops fresh, and free from fatigue as the bumper schedule of fixtures approach.
The trip to Huddersfield is followed by a New Years Day home game with last year’s nemesis Coventry. They then face Premier League opposition twice in the space of three days, taking on Aston Villa at the Riverside on Saturday January 6th in a third round F.A Cup tie before locking horns with Chelsea in their first of a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final.
This season, Boro have thrived on the big game occasions, with Carrick’s total-football philosophy helping his side conquer the likes of Leicester, Southampton, Sunderland and West Brom. So, if they can somehow keep the majority of their remaining players fit and healthy, with the addition of one or two who could return, fans on Teesside can look forward to some thrilling contests over the coming weeks.
But that will be the challenge. Avoiding fatigue and fresh injuries, but also maintaining some degree of momentum with such a hectic fixture schedule. With that in mind, here is how I see them lining up for the match away to Huddersfield.
GK-Tom Glover
Australia’s loss is Boro’s gain. He should not be scrutinised for the ‘fluke’ goal against Rotherham. He would not have expected a shot from that position, but he will still have felt the disappointment at conceding.
Was excellent against West Brom and his distribution in the last two games has been exemplary. He will benefit hugely from the run of games he will get when Seny Dieng goes to the African Cup of Nations.
RB-Anfernee Dijksteel
One of Boro’s better performers against Rotherham, though there was not a lot of attacking intent from the Millers. His recovery pace is an asset to the side and he is comfortable on the ball going forward. Occasionally gets caught positionally, but has a good understanding with Jones on that right-hand side.
LB-Lukas Engel
Sat it out against Rotherham with Alex Bangura getting the nod. Bangura played well and should have earned Boro a penalty but for whatever reason, the referee decided against it. An element of irony in that the left-back spot was a real issue early in the season, but now looks to be the one position Carrick need not worry about. Engel’s precision passing and low crosses probably just edge it in terms of first choice, so I think he will come back in.
CB-Dael Fry
Looked back to his commanding self against West Brom and he and Rav van den Berg must be considered best pairing with who is available right now. Matt Clarke played against Rotherham and a three day turnaround given what he has been through would be surely too risky.
CB-Rav van den Berg
One of Carrick’s most consistent performers. Even when Boro have been on the receiving end of a loss, he has more often than not played well. Had some knocks here and there lately including a stiff back after a collision, but he was named on the substitutes bench for the Boxing Day defeat, so he should be available.
CM-Jonny Howson
Has played a lot of games has Boro’s captain, but needs must with Lewis O’Brien and Hayden Hackney both out. His energy would be missed if he wasn’t playing. Sets the tempo when in the side and has ventured forward a little more of late, especially with Dan Barlaser often picking up the ball from deep in between the centre-backs.
CM-Dan Barlaser
The former Rotherham man divides opinion, with some Boro fans critical of his mistakes when in his own half. That will happen due to the ambition in his play.
He must be commended on his accurate passing and his set-piece delivery. According to the FotMob website, he has amassed 33 chances for the Boro, completing 922 passes with a pass completion rate of just under 90%.
His long range passes and his incisive, threaded through balls should have led to more goals but that may come as strikers begin to read his playing style. His deep playmaking role has offered Boro a new dimension. Would be fascinating to see if Hackney (further forward), Howson and Barlaser could operate in the same side.
RW-Isaiah Jones
Was in red hot form for a period when he scored that brace against Sunderland. Has looked a bit jaded in recent matches. It is understandable, he could do with being rotated to recharge his energy, but his competition (Marcus Forss) is still on the road to recovery. Izzy is always a threat in behind and has started to make those runs off the centre-backs more and more this season.
LW-Sam Greenwood
Sam cut a frustrated figure at The new York Stadium. He knows he had some clear opportunities. Also had a clear one at West Brom to make it more comfortable. Hopefully he keeps getting in those goal scoring positions and doesn’t think about it too much. He is Boro’s top scorer, and with the side missing that clinical finisher at the moment, he is vital. Carrick has said previously that he sees Greenwood having a big impact this season, that is certainly the case so far.
You could make a case for McGree to play, but he will be jetting off for Qatar with Sami Silvera after this game. So, it makes sense to keep some continuity.
CAM-Matt Crooks
Morgan Rogers was on the crest of a wave after his cup exploits and scoring the winner against West Brom, but Michael Carrick will be wary of him playing too many games. He is still a player in progression and he is doing well, but he plays with high intensity and tempo, so could be saved for another day.
Matt Crooks’ high standards dipped a little before he was replaced by Rogers, but his experience counts for a lot in this league and he will be eager to be back amongst it. Due a goal.
ST-Josh Coburn
The young Richmond striker has been desperate to play as much as possible this season, and he has not let the side down. His stature gives Carrick’s side a very different threat to Sami Silvera who has been utilised in the last couple of games as a false nine, buzzing around and stretching the opposition defence.
Josh will run the channel and attempt to hustle centre-backs into mistakes. He will also contest every ball. His baby-faced image is merely a facade that masks his ultra-competitive, physical approach. He makes intelligent runs and retains the ball well, something Boro have missed whilst he has been out through injury.
Carrick is keen to manage Coburn’s progression carefully, but Boro need a focal point, a striker of some sort.
