Middlesbrough return to league action with a home clash against Swansea City on Saturday, in what is shaping up to be a huge opening games for both sides after a lengthy break.

Jonathan Woodgate will be urging his side to hit the ground running once the EFL season resumes, with Boro desperately looking to secure their Championship status.

Woodgate's side sit 19th in the Championship table, only two points clear of the relegation zone ahead of the final nine games of the season, with some important matches fast approaching.

On Saturday afternoon, they face a Swansea City side hopeful of breaking into the play-off places between now and the end of the season, so it won't be an easy game by any means for Boro.

Having defeated fellow relegation candidates Charlton Athletic before the EFL's suspension, arresting a run of 10 consecutive defeats, Woodgate will be hoping for more of the same this weekend.

But, with Boro being recently rocked by the news that Daniel Ayala is refusing to play in any of the final nine games of their season, who should he opt for in defence this weekend?

Here's the Boro XI we expect Woodgate to play against the Swans this weekend...

After being dropped to the bench against Charlton last time out, Aynsley Pears will be eager to reclaim his place in-between the sticks and hope that the lengthy break has benefited him.

Howson has thrived since slotting into central defence, but the return of Dael Fry from injury could see him move back to wing-back.

Shotton has also been a key player in central defence this term, and he will be hoping to get back to his solid ways this weekend.

Harold Moukoudi will be staying at the Riverside until the end of the season, and he will be keen to make his impact in potentially his final nine games for Boro.

Fry should be available for Boro this weekend after having time to recover from injury, and should come back into the team.

Youngster Coulson should keep his place in the side after producing a number of bright performances before the break from EFL action.

George Saville will be competing with Clayton for a place in central midfield this weekend, but the latter should start from the off in order to add steel to the midfield.

McNair was a hugely important player before the EFL's suspension, and he will be eager to keep on producing bright performances, starting this weekend.

Wing has seven goals to his name this season, and the creative midfielder will be keen to add to his tally this weekend.

Moving into attack, Fletcher has scored 10 goals this season and their leading goalscorer will be keen to add to his tally, starting with this weekend's clash with the Swans.

Tavernier is reportedly attracting interest from Brighton, and he will be keen to be a danger for Boro in the final nine games of the season.

Can you get full marks on this Boro trivia quiz?