Middlesbrough v Everton predicted line-ups: Midfield duo return as Lukaku seeks goal record

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Here is how we expect Middlesbrough and Everton to line-up in their Premier League clash this weekend.

To be played on Saturday 11th February 2017 at 15:00. Venue: Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough

Odds: Middlesbrough 11/4, Draw 23/10, Everton 11/10

Middlesbrough welcome Everton to the Riverside Stadium with the knowledge that recent history against the Toffees is stacked against them.

Indeed, Middlesbrough have not experienced a victory against their Merseyside opponents since a 2-1 triumph in the 2006-07 campaign; and go into this weekend’s fixture on an equally disappointing run of Premier League form – which sees Aitor Karanka’s side winless since mid-December.

Regarding team selection, Middlesbrough will be boosted by the availability of the returning Gaston Ramirez but hampered by the calf strain suffered by left back George Friend, who is consequently a major doubt.

See also: What happened to the Premier League’s youngest debutants? – Including Everton stars

Goalkeeper Victor Valdes is fully expected to take the gloves and govern a back four of Callum Chambers, Bernardo Espinoza, Ben Gibson and potential Friend replacement Fabio.

Karanka is likely to persist with a 4-3-2-1 system, with the midfield trio of Adam Clayton, Adam Forshaw and Marten De Roon flanked by speedster Adama Traore and the returning Ramirez.

Middlesbrough, the lowest scorers in the Premier League with just 19 strikes, will again rely on the lone deployment of forward Alvaro Negredo in an attempt to test an Everton defence that conceded three against Bournemouth last time out – but also failed to concede a single league goal throughout January.

See also: Which current Everton ace features in the ‘Non-League to Premier League’ XI?

Everton’s impressive form has seen the Blues undefeated in their last eight Premier League outings – with forward Romelu Lukaku scoring seven goals in his past seven league appearances. Further, the Belgium international is just one goal shy of the club’s Premier League scoring record of 60 – held by current Everton coach and former front man, Duncan Ferguson.

The Toffees have the relative luxury of being able to call upon midfielders Idrissa Gueye, after returning from African Cup of Nations duty, and impressive rookie Tom Davies – with the former expected to be given the starting spot alongside Gareth Barry and Morgan Schneiderlin.

Whilst Davies may have to settle for a continued role from the bench, it is anticipated that another recently discovered starlet, forward Ademola Lookman, will be selected from the start.