Top scorer Cristhian Stuani is among those who are back in contention ahead of the trip to the Etihad.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has told the club’s official website that two of his first team regulars will be available for selection for the visit to Manchester City after successfully recovering from knocks..
Marten de Roon, Cristhian Stuani and Daniel Ayala all missed the win over Bournemouth last weekend, and of the three Karanka only has a doubt over the latter.
Middlesbrough’s Cristhian Stuani celebrates scoring their first goal with Viktor Fischer
“Marten de Roon and Cristhian Stuani – both of them are ready,” Karanka said.
“The only one who I think could miss out is Dani Ayala,” he added. “The doctor told me he could be ready but we will wait and see.”
Stuani leads Boro’s scoring charts this season with three goals, having netted a match-winning brace at Sunderland in August as well as the opener in the draw at West Ham.
His return is well-timed, as last weekend’s goalscoring hero Gaston Ramirez misses out through suspension having picked up five yellow cards already this season.
West Ham United’s Dimitri Payet in action with Middlesbrough’s Marten de Roon
De Roon, meanwhile, received plaudits for his battling display in the goalless draw at Arsenal a fortnight ago and will return to battle for a starting spot in the Boro midfield.
Another man set to return to action in the engine room for the Teessiders is Grant Leadbitter, who made his first appearance of the season from the bench last weekend and came through 90 minutes for the club’s Under-23 side this week.
Leadbitter was a crucial part of the team that got Boro promoted last season and will be desperate to play his part in their survival bid in the top flight.
Middlesbrough’s Grant Leadbitter celebrates with the trophy and team mates after being promoted to the Barclays Premier League
Last weekend’s victory gave Karanka’s side some breathing space above the bottom three, but they face a much tougher test against table-topping Manchester City.
Boro will not be fearful, however, as they have good memories of the Etihad. They won on their last visit there – a 2-0 success in the FA Cup fourth round in 2015 – and also secured European football with a dramatic 1-1 draw on the final day of the 2004/05 season.
On that occasion, Mark Schwarzer’s save from a last-minute Robbie Fowler penalty sparked wild celebrations in the away end during a game also notable for City manager Stuart Pearce sending on goalkeeper David James to play up front.
Afonso Alves
That was not the only memorable clash between the two either – Boro fans will fondly recall the 8-1 shellacking they handed out to Manchester City at the Riverside in May 2008, with Afonso Alves scoring the most unlikely of hat-tricks.
It is unlikely that Saturday’s fixture will be quite as eventful, but a repeat of the resilience shown in the goalless draw at Arsenal recently would suit Middlesbrough just fine.
Can Boro get a result at the Etihad? Leave your predictions below.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
