Middlesbrough hope to hand Ashley Fletcher and Rudy Gestede 90 minutes in tonight’s League Cup clash with Preston North End, with Tony Pulis expected to hand opportunities to a number of his other fringe players.

The Championship takes a break this midweek, with focus turning to the League Cup, as Boro travel to Deepdale to take on Preston.

Pulis’ side sit second in the Championship table, with Boro making a strong start in the league.

Changes are expected this evening in the cup, as Pulis looks to give Fletcher and Gestede 90 minutes.

Boro’s boss also confirmed to the club’s official website that the likes of Paddy McNair, Sam McQueen, Danny Batth and Dael Fry could all feature: “Fletcher and Rudy will be involved and hopefully get 90 minutes against Preston.

"People like McNair, McQueen, Batth, Fry - they are the ones who will be looking to play."

Whilst Fry has been heavily involved in the Championship this season, the likes of McNair and McQueen are still awaiting their first league start this season.

Batth is also yet to debut for his new side, having arrived on loan late in the summer transfer window.

Pulis will have one eye on Saturday’s clash with Hull City in the Championship as he makes changes tonight, with 10 players who have progressed through the club’s academy also set to travel to Preston.

The Verdict

Most managers make changes for the League Cup and Pulis will be no different.

Boro are in an excellent position in the Championship, so Pulis won’t want to risk any of his key men tonight, with the league a priority.

Giving minutes to his fringe players makes sense, particularly in the case of Gestede, who has had a number of injury problems recently.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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