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Middlesbrough host Queens Park Rangers tomorrow afternoon hoping to add to their away win over Blackburn Rovers last time out.
Tony Pulis’ side came away from Ewood Park 1-0 winners thanks to Britt Assombalonga’s 19th-minute strike.
The win extended Boro’s run of having just one defeat in their last eight matches as they consolidated their place in the top-six.
Boro are fifth, and three points inside the play-off places ahead of this weekend’s visit of Steve McClaren’s side.
Pulis knows that a win could further strengthen their grip on their current spot and edge them closer to the four sides above them challenging for an automatic promotion place.
With that said, this is the Middlesbrough XI that the Boro boss should play tomorrow afternoon against QPR.
[snack_break title="GK: Darren Randolph"]
A league ever-present for Boro, he has conceded the least amount of goals in the Championship and will look to keep it down to noughts and ones again tomorrow.
[snack_break title="RCB: Dael Fry"]
The young defender has established himself in Pulis’ side and has the second most assists in this season for Boro with four, just one behind Jonny Howson who has five.
[snack_break title="CB: Ryan Shotton"]
Experienced at the back, and with Aiden Flint out still and Daniel Ayala suspended, Shotton will resume his role at the heart of a back three.
[snack_break title="LCB: George Friend"]
Friend is touch and go, but if fit, he should be in the team.
[snack_break title="RM: Jonny Howson"]
Howson has the most assists for the club this season and will be looking to add to his tally of five against QPR.
[snack_break title="CK" John Obi Mikel"]
A transfer masterstroke by Pulis, Obi Mikel has been an integral part of Boro’s midfield since his January arrival.
[snack_break title="CM: Mo Besic"]
The defensive-minded midfielder has a competent partner with him on Obi Mikel, and the two of them have been getting the best out of one another, and the partnership should continue this weekend.
[snack_break title="LM: George Saville"]
In an unfamiliar role on the left of the midfield, the usually central player is adding another string to his bow under Pulis and could well keep his place in that role for the visit of QPR
[snack_break title="RAM: Lewis Wing"]
Arguably Boro’s best player this season, the youngster has no fear and attacks every game as if it were his last.
[snack_break title="LAM: Ashley Fletcher"]
Having been out in the cold, Fletcher did not embarrass himself last time out against Blackburn and could find himself with another important role this weekend.
[snack_break title="ST: Britt Assombalonga"]
Last week’s match-winner now has ten goals for the season and is four clear of on-loan Jordan Hugill – and will surely keep his place tomorrow afternoon.
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