A disappointing defeat to Norwich City in the week, Middlesbrough will look to bounce back from the defeat when Brentford head north to Teesside this weekend.
Boro’s expensively assembled squad had begun to assert their dominance in the league with a solid run of form which had seen them on the verge of the playoffs, and defeat will be seen as a minor setback towards their ultimate aim of a return to the Premier League.
Brentford picked up their first win of the season at Bolton on Saturday, and dominated proceedings in Tuesday’s home draw with Derby County.
The Bees may have won once, but they have only lost four times in ten matches, and are an extremely difficult side to claim victory over.
The clash will not be easy for Garry Monk’s men with both sides battling for points, and the former Leeds United manager should consider sending out this starting XI against Dean Smith’s side this weekend…
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph retains his place in goal, and is likely to be protected in defence by Fabio and Christie on the flanks, with Ben Gibson and Ryan Shotton in the middle.
In the middle of the park, the creative Lewis Baker is likely to be joined by Adam Clayton, who plays the role of defensive shield perfectly at this level.
£6.5 million rated striker Martin Braithwaite returned from injury against Norwich by coming off the bench, and could be restored to the starting line-up this weekend at the expense of Jonny Howson, as Monk utlises a more attack-minded line-up.
Marvin Johnson and Adama Traore are likely to continue out wide, with prolific striker Britt Assombalonga set to maintain his place as the spearhead of this dangerous Boro attack.
Three points are essential for Monk’s side this weekend when the Bees come to town, but Smith’s men will look to frustrate their opponents by maintaining possession, and an upset could be on the cards once more at the Riverside Stadium.
Boro fans, would you make any changes to this line-up?