After Middlesbrough's shaky start to the season, Jonathan Woodgate's side have been in fantastic form over the festive period–picking up four consecutive wins since the 20th of December. 

Their last two victories, 2-0 wins against Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion, have been undoubtedly the most impressive of the lot.

That has helped them to climb up to 16th in the Championship and will likely mean they have renewed confidence ahead of the visit of Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Spurs are in poor form at the moment, with just two wins in their last six, and Woodgate's men will likely feel that having toppled the high-flying Baggies, claiming a Premier League scalp is not out of the question.

Jose Mourinho has always been a manager that takes cup competitions seriously, so you feel we can expect a relatively strong side to show up at the Riverside on Sunday.

With that in mind, here is the starting XI that we expect Woodgate to field against Tottenham.

Speaking in a press conference earlier today, Woodgate told TeessideLive that though he doesn't have a huge squad, he may look to make a few changes to "freshen it up" against Spurs.

With Darren Randolph still set to be out for up to two weeks, it seems likely that Aynsley Pears will start in goal for Boro.

The 21-year-old has been in fantastic form for Woodgate's side since replacing Randolph, making 12 appearances and keeping seven clean sheets.

It is undoubtedly a boost for the young shot-stopper that Tottenham frontman Harry Kane will be out, though that doesn't mean it will be a quiet afternoon for him.

With Daniel Ayala injured, Paddy McNair will likely get the nod and join Dael Fry and Jonny Howson in a back three.

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Woodgate has indicated he may freshen up the side and one area that seems likely to happen is wing-back, with Hayden Coulson coming in for Marvin Johnson on the left.

In central midfield, don't be surprised to see 30-year-old Adam Clayton given a rest, with 24-year-old Lewis Wing brought in to provide some additional energy alongside George Saville and Marcus Tavernier.

Rudy Gestede proved a real nuisance for the Preston backline, while Ashley Fletcher has been arguably Boro's most dangerous weapon this season, scoring four goals and providing six assists, you feel Woodgate will stick with that duo for the visit of Spurs.