Middlesbrough are one of the favourites for promotion this season, and this is justified due to their squad being strong and deep, and having a quality manager like Karanka at the helm.

Middlesbrough have been pretty consistent this season going on two runs of excellent form, before both being brought abruptly to an end in a big game.

They started the season in solid form and went on a run of seven straight wins in September, before a defeat to Reading.

After a couple more difficult results, they beat Manchester United in the Capital One Cup at Old Trafford which reignited Middlesbrough and they won three straight games, though one of those wins came before the United game.

This run was brought to an end with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Hull, which highlighted a usual struggle for Middlesbrough which was not turning up in big games.

Middlesbrough are renowned in the Championship for their excellent defence with Gibson and Ayala solid at the back all season, and full-backs Friend and Kalas consistent, with Nsue coming along nicely.

Leadbitter and Clayton have been industrious in the midfield like they usually are, and their form last season was crucial to Boro's success and it will be no different this season.

Attacking players were brought in abundance this summer with Fabbrini brought on loan from Watford, De Pena bought from Uruguayan side Nacional and marquee signing Stewart Downing from West Ham.

Strikers Cristhian Stuani and David Nugent were brought in as Middlesbrough try to replace the goals that Bamford brought them, and they're faring well so far and are one of the division's highest scorers.

Here are FIVE issues Boro must solve to maintain there challenge.......

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE ISSUES!

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Bamford

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Bamford was immense for Middlesbrough last season on loan from Chelsea, scoring 19 goals and being crucial to Middlesbrough's rise to the play-offs.

Upon his return to parent club Chelsea, the Championship Player of the Year was in demand and earned a move across London to Premier League side Crystal Palace, but has found first team opportunities rare and only found about 2o minutes playing time.

He will have the option to cancel his loan deal in December and return to Chelsea, and he will most likely choose this option and this makes him available in the January loan window.

Middlesbrough will surely be one of the interested parties as strikers Stuani and Nugent in most fans opinion is not enough, as they are both frequently injured and Bamford is proven at this level and most likely keen on finishing the job at Middlesbrough.

The January transfer market

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It is unknown whether Middlesbrough have a lot of money available for Karanka in January, due to their big spend in the summer, so the loan market is the most likely for Karanka to delve into.

We have already suggested that Bamford is an option but other loan stars will be available, such as James Wilson from Manchester United.

Karanka will be keen on another striker as Middlesbrough seem to have enough options at the back, and in defensive midfield.

Michail Antonio on loan from West Ham may be an option as he has struggled for first-team football, and he would add to creativity in midfield.

But Gibson may go all out to strengthen for the run in, and he may give Rhodes from Blackburn another go or Gayle from Crystal Palace.

Keeping key players

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Middlesbrough have developed a good core of players in recent seasons, especially in defence.

And that is where primarily other clubs are interested and George Friend will be surely be a target for a host of top-flight clubs.

The left back is arguably Middlesbrough's most consistent players and they can't afford to sell him and Middlesbrough's centre back pairing of Ayala and Gibson, will also be attracting a lot of interest, but they are crucial and can't be sold.

Big games

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Karanka must make sure he gets the tactics right for the big games, last season he got them very wrong in the play-off final against Norwich, but he got them very right against Middlesbrough in the league.

Smash and grab tactics are the key, as the strength of the Middlesbrough defence can contain any attack in the league.

Already this season they have lost two big games away at Reading and Hull in pretty dismal fashion, and Boro must improve their record in these big games to ensure it doesn't hold them back from a top two finish.

Getting the correct balance in midfield

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The centre of Middlesbrough's midfield has been crucial to their success over recent seasons with the excellent form of Leadbitter and Clayton.

Leadbitter is the inspirational captain and Clayton protects the defence wonderfully and sacrificing them is harsh.

It's very hard to overturn a deficit against Middlesbrough due to the strength of these two, but many fans question that having two defensive midfielders is pointless if we go behind, and having a very able attacking midfielder like Adam Forshaw sitting on the bench begs the question about whether a change is needed.

What issues do you think needs resolving Middlesbrough fans? Leave thoughts and opinions below!