With the exception of captain Grant Leadbitter, Boro are expected to line up with their strongest XI as they welcome Watford to the Riverside Stadium.
Middlesbrough have managed six points from their first seven games since returning to the Premier League – five of which have been secured at their Riverside Stadium home.
Indeed, home form my well be crucial if Aitor Karanka’s team are to retain top-flight status at the end of the season.
If Karanka’s line-up needed any extra motivation for this encounter, there is the fact that victory over visitors Watford would see Boro rise one point ahead of Walter Mazzarri’s side in the standings.
Aside from James Husband and long-term absentee Grant Leadbitter, Middlesbrough will be at full strength against Watford – meaning that Gaston Ramirez is approved to start despite travels to South America over the international break.
Ramirez is expected to start in an attacking midfield role alongside Stewart Downing and Cristhian Stuani, with the trio deployed behind lone forward Alvardo Negredo,
Middlesbrough’s defensive unit will need to be mindful not only of the threat posed from Watford’s strikeforce of Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney (who will be hoping to score his 100th goal for Watford), but of the offensive capabilities of Argentina international Roberto Pereyra and the in-form Etienne Capoue also.
Boro boss Karanka looks likely to use the combative pair of Marten de Roon and Adam Forshaw in the central of midfield, in front of a centre-back duo of Ben Gibson and Calum Chambers – although Daniel Ayala may get the call ahead of the Arsenal loanee.
The full-back slots are currently possessed by George Friend and Spaniard Antonio Barragan – both of whom will be expected to provide width in attack, courtesy of the protection afforded to them by de Roon and Forshaw.
Finally, goalkeeper Victor Valdes completes the line-up as he targets his first clean sheet as Middlesbrough’s number one.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
