We preview Middlesbrough’s predicted line-up to face Chelsea this weekend.
On the back of a morale-boosting draw at Manchester City before the international break, Middlesbrough host in-form Chelsea this weekend – hoping to continue their pleasing run of recent Premier League results.
Aitor Karanka’s team are unbeaten in their last three league games, including admirable draws away at Arsenal and Manchester City sandwiching a 2-0 home victory over Bournemouth.
However, ‘Boro go into this weekend’s clash with Chelsea mindful of the fantastic series of results that Antonio Conte has overseen at the West London club. Chelsea have a 100% win record in their previous five league games and have not conceded a single goal since September.
In the build up to the encounter, Karanka’s main selection poser is whether to recall Gaston Ramirez after the Uruguayan served a one-match ban, or keep with Stewart Downing on the left of his attack.
Middlesbrough’s Victor Valdes has been in fine form for Middlesbrough
Like Chelsea, Middlesbrough have a fine defensive record in recent times, having conceded just three goals in their last five league matches.
Much of this has been due to the stability and unity of Victor Valdes and his back four of Antonio Barragan, George Friend and the emerging central defensive partnership of Calum Chambers and Ben Gibson. Karanka is expected to roll out the same unit against Chelsea.
Middlesbrough’s Adam Clayton
In midfield, the combative trio of Adam Clayton, Adam Forshaw and Marten De Roon are likely starters in an area that Karanka may feel could dominate and outnumber Chelsea’s latest preference for deploying two central midfield players.
Middlesbrough’s Alvaro Negredo with Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
Flanking De Roon and the two Adams, should be the pacey Adama Traore on the right, and one of Ramirez or Downing on the left. Lone forward Alvaro Negredo, who will hope to build on his one Premier League goal this season, is expected to complete the line-up.
Here is the predicted Middlesbrough line-up in full:
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