Middlesbrough are currently enjoying a winning run that is as jaw-dropping as their woeful early Championship form after chalking up another victory against Birmingham City.
Saturday was the first time Carrick named an unchanged side. Despite their improved league form, changes have generally been aplenty and it is likely to continue. As they travel to Norwich, we look at the three changes that may benefit them in their clash with the Canaries.
One of the impressive aspects of their recent form, has been the flexibility and influence of the Boro squad as a whole. Players who have been introduced into the side and substitutes who have made an indelible mark after coming on during a game has meant that Carrick has been afforded the luxury of switching his team up to ensure freshness is maintained.
Injuries have-to an extent-forced the issue on occasions, but the response from those called upon has been excellent. The international breaks have allowed the head coach a bit more selection freedom but there will now be a period of games that approach with the same ferocity and regularity as Lukas Engel steaming down the left wing.
Busy schedule ahead
Norwich on Tuesday evening, followed by Stoke’s visit to The Riverside on Saturday, then the visits to Exeter and Plymouth on the subsequent Tuesday and Saturday means a selection conundrum is ahead for Carrick and his coaching team.
As always, there will be no panic from Carrick, he has always maintained that he enjoys the games coming quickly. It also provides him with the opportunity to re-assess some of the new summer arrivals who were pitched in earlier in the season, maybe hastily if we are to be a wee bit critical.
The summer signings, who are largely between the ages of 18-21, struggled for confidence as results didn’t go Boro’s way in the first six or seven games, but Carrick called for calm and insisted they had to ‘stay level’, and since then, the tide has turned, and as they have gradually been reintroduced, their confidence and standing within the squad has grown.
The influence of players like Morgan Rogers, Emannuel Latte Lath and Lukas Engel has been immeasurable in recent weeks. Some players have been starting and performing well, others coming off the bench to great effect.
With the busy schedule ahead, here are the three changes that Carrick should make for the away game with Norwich City.
1. Rav van den Berg for Tommy Smith
Smith has been really dependent of late, but this one won’t be a surprise to those who saw the images of him leaving the field on Saturday. Tommy Smith has suffered from injuries a lot this season and the way in which he limped off during the Birmingham game would suggest it is not just a knock.
Rav van den Berg is playing so well, that when fit, it would be difficult to leave him out of the side full stop. With the rejuvenated Paddy McNair; a player who has enjoyed a real turnaround in fortunes, forging a solid centre-back partnership with Dael Fry, Carrick is unlikely to tamper with that pairing, so van den Berg getting games-albeit at right-back-seems a logical solution.
2. Jonny Howson for Dan Barlaser
This is not a criticism of Barlaser, nor is it a slant on his performances. They have been very good of late, but Howson will be fresh having not played in the last few weeks and he gives Boro a real tempo. He also adds a bit more steel in the middle of the park and away to a team in the top half, it could be a wise move to include him.
The former Norwich man would love to be able to face his former club and the footballing relationship he has with Hackney is as good as any partnership in the side. The fact that Carrick is able to call upon such a good player to come into midfield is testament to the squad quality at Boro.
3. Emannuel Latte Lath for Josh Coburn
Again at the risk of sounding like there are splinters somewhere in the lower half of my anatomy, this is not based necessarily on performances. It is more a case of momentum and choosing the right time to mix it up. Michael Carrick has spoken about utilising his striking options at the right time and for different situations. Josh Coburn has started the last five league games, Boro have won them all and even though he has only found the net once, through presence, ball retention and intelligent runs, he has more than played his part.
That said, he deserves a rest and Norwich will pose a different threat to some of the sides Boro have beaten recently. They will attack at home and Boro will look to counter them on the break. Latte Lath’s pace in behind could be a real weapon in that scenario.
Latte Lath scored against Cardiff and also had a hand in the build up to Rogers’ goal on Saturday, both from the bench. He is pushing hard to go one better and get a first team start. He could get one on Tuesday evening.