Jonathan Woodgate has named his starting XI for the bottom-of-the-table clash against Huddersfield Town, which has left many fans of the club extremely concerned. 

Goalkeeper Darren Randolph has been omitted for the first time this season, with 21-year-old Aynsley Pears making his Championship debut.

Randolph has not been named amongst the substitutes, which would indicate it is not a tactical change.

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Striker Britt Assombalonga, Boro's top scorer this season, has also lost his place with Woodgate opting for Marcus Tavernier, Ashley Fletcher, and Marvin Johnson as his forward options.

Daniel Ayala, Ryan Shotton, and Dael Fry are the only out-and-out defenders in the line-up, which could suggest a different shape to the 4-3-3 Boro have preferred this season.

A loss for Woodgate's side would mean they drop into the relegation zone and it appears that Boro could have their work cut out for them as they face a Huddersfield side that have turned things around under Danny Cowley.

The Terriers picked up just one point from their first six games of the season but have won eight points from six since Cowley took charge and are unbeaten since September.

The Boro line up has drawn some concerned responses from fans of the North East club, with many taking to Twitter to express their fears.

Read the best of the reaction from supporters here: