Middlesbrough remain one of the Sky Bet Championship most inconsistent sides, with Tony Pulis yet to find the consistency to push the Teessiders back in the direction of the play-offs. 

Pulis’ side currently sit ninth in the Championship table, having picked up 48 points from their 32 fixtures so far this season, leaving them five points adrift of the play-off places heading into the final 14 fixtures of the campaign.

This evening sees Boro take on Hull City at the Riverside Stadium, with Pulis looking to guide his side back to winning ways after a narrow defeat to Cardiff City over the course of the weekend.

Sean Morrison’s first-half goal on Saturday edged a tight contest at the Cardiff City Stadium, but dealt Boro another crushing blow in their quest to challenge for an instant Premier League return.

However, tonight offers Pulis’ side the chance to put a play-off push back on track, and here at FLW, we take a look at the starting XI we believe he must select…

Randolph has been first choice at the Riverside Stadium this season, and Pulis is unlikely to make any change in the goalkeeping department.

Shotton was part of a back-four that performed reasonably well against Cardiff on Saturday, and should continue.

Gibson is one of the Championship’s standout central defenders, and if Boro are to squeeze their way into the play-offs, his performances will be key.

Ayala has proved to be the best option alongside Gibson this season for Boro, and should continue alongside the 25-year-old against Hull.

Friend was part of Boro’s back-four against Cardiff at the weekend, and should be set to continue in that role against Hull.

The left-back completes an unchanged defensive unit.

Clayton should return to the starting XI, with the midfielder’s lack of game time this season a real surprise.

The £2.7m-rated midfielder deserves a chance to impress.

Leadbitter is Boro’s captain, and Pulis’ side look far better with him in the midfield.

Howson quietly goes about his business in midfield, and alongside Clayton and Leadbitter, he could be allowed more of a licence to get forward and influence the attack.

Downing has been impressive in recent weeks, and despite coming into the twilight of his career, is still looking like a creative force.

Rudy Gestede has been favoured in recent weeks, but it is time for Assombalonga to be recalled, with the striker still Boro’s biggest goal-threat.

The former Nottingham Forest striker needs Pulis to start putting his faith in him.

Traore is Boro’s most exciting attacking player, and him finding consistency will work wonders for Pulis’ side.

Pulis keeping faith with the winger will be key to finding that consistency.