Middlesbrough are just six weeks away from the big kick-off and at Football League World we can't wait.

The Teessiders finished last season in 10th position after a stop-start run of f0rm in the closing stages of the campaign brought their play-off aspirations to a premature end.

With the new season just around the corner the hope is that things will be very different.

Neil Warnock is already putting plans in place for the season ahead as he runs the rule over potential transfer targets.

New faces could join the old guard on the opening day of the new campaign as they travel to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage, but what could Warnock's starting XI look like in West London?

Here's an early look at how Middlesbrough could line up.

Middlesbrough may have only made one new signing this summer, but he's bound to start against Fulham.

Joe Lumley has moved to the Riverside Stadium after coming to the end of his contract with Queens Park Rangers and will be hoping to get his career in the North East off to the best possible start.

The 26-year-old has made just 84 appearances for the Hoops but with just Dejan Stojanovic and youngster Sol Brynn set to provide competition at the moment, it feels like the starting jersey will be his.

Neil Warnock may bring another stopper in before August but for now the gloves certainly belong to Lumley.

One of Middlesbrough's most improved players last term.

Anfernee Dijksteel's first season at the Riverside Stadium was pretty disappointing with many questioning whether Jonathan Woodgate's signing was capable of performing consistently at Championship level.

Last season he certainly eased those concerns.

Dijksteel was a regular starter under Neil Warnock, playing at both right-back and centre-back over the course of the campaign.

While Darnell Fisher and Djed Spence could provide competition, it feels like Dijksteel will be in the starting XI in one position or another.

Dael Fry is preparing for a big season.

The 23-year-old has really grown in influence over the last couple of seasons and as a result he's now seen as one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Assuming that he's fit and ready then it's inevitable that he'll be lining up in the heart of Neil Warnock's defence.

The only real question mark surrounding him is if a Premier League club come in with a big offer to sign the player ahead of the new season, but as it stands, it seems that Fry will be a leading figure as Middlesbrough look to push towards the play-offs.

Another player who will be in the starting XI in one role or another.

Paddy McNair was a real success story under Neil Warnock last season after the versatile midfielder slotted into central defence when injuries took their toll on the team.

In actual fact, it was probably the Northern Ireland international's best season for the club.

There's a chance that he could be back in contention to take on a role in central midfield but with just Dael Fry and Grant Hall likely to be natural centre-back options, I wouldn't be surprised to see McNair stay there and thrive in the new season, starting against Fulham.

Like Anfernee Dijksteel, Marc Bola is someone who really came of age last season.

The full-back struggled in his first campaign and was even sent back to his former club Blackpool on loan in order to restore a bit of confidence.

Most expected that he might move on last term, but Bola really dug in and proved himself as one of Neil Warnock's most reliable players.

Other than Hayden Coulson, options at left-back are limited and with Coulson clearly not fancied by the manager it seems that Bola is something of a default option in that position, but don't let that fool you as Bola is a really big player for Middlesbrough and will be again in the coming season.

Middlesbrough's very own Mr Reliable.

Jonny Howson arrived at the club back in 2017 and has only grown in influence during his four years at the club.

The central midfielder is one of Neil Warnock's most trusted players and is renowned as a man who can do everything including defending, tackling, passing and breaking forward with the ball.

At 33 years of age Howson shows little sign of slowing down and could be used in central defence or right back over the course of the season, but if Warnock has his way, Howson will be leading the midfield unit against Fulham.

A player who enjoyed a really encouraging first season with Middlesbrough.

Morsy arrived from Wigan Athletic last summer where he was a hugely popular figure among supporters for his no-nonsense style of play and full-blooded approach to taking the game to the opposition.

After a full campaign I think that the Teessiders know why.

The 29-year-old may not be the most technically gifted of players but Neil Warnock is a huge fan and so the player is a no-brainer to occupy that defensive midfield role in front of the defenders.

A player who could come into the side if transfer reports are to believed.

Reports from Football Insider have claimed that Middlesbrough are interested in a move for the player as his contract at Luton Town comes to an end in the coming days.

Ruddock is a real handful in the middle of the park due to his defensive ability, while he is also renowned for his lung-busting runs from midfield - making him a real box-to-box threat.

If he was to join Middlesbrough then I'd certainly be backing him to start against Fulham.

The 22-year-old could be Middlesbrough's star man this term.

Marcus Tavernier has perhaps been the victim of his own versatility in recent seasons but last term we started to see the best of him as he was utilised in more of an inside forward role on the right flank.

The academy prospect is at his best when he's jinking inside onto his left foot and letting fly from the edge of the area - something that fans will be wanting to see more of next term.

If he's fit then Tavernier is a dead-cert to start on the opening day of the season.

Signing a left winger is going to be a top priority this summer.

With Yannick Bolasie moving on it means that Neil Warnock will need a replacement and that's why this man could come into contention.

Reports from Football Insider have claimed that Middlesbrough have opened talks with the 29-year-old over a move to Teesside following the end of his contract at Nottingham Forest.

Ameobi has pace and power to burn and so he could be a real handful if he did make the move to the club as he looks to cut inside from the left flank and cause problems for opposition defenders.

Another position that Neil Warnock is desperate to strengthen.

Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher have already moved on, while it seems that Chuba Akpom won't be the man to lead the line.

As a result several players have been linked with a move to the Riverside Stadium - most notably Michael Smith.

Reports from the Northern Echo have claimed that the Rotherham United striker is a top target for the club, and with his contract due to expire, he could be the chosen man to start in attack on the opening day of the new season.