Garry Monk will be without two key players this evening when Middlesbrough face Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup.  

Boro travel to Villa Park for the second time in a week to face Steve Bruce's side, but will be without Adama Traore and Adam Clayton, who are both serving a suspension this evening – as confirmed by the FA’s official website.

Traore will serve the second game of his three-match ban, which he received following his fourth minute dismissal against Villa in last Tuesday’s 0-0 draw.

The influential winger has already missed Middlesbrough’s 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers last week, a fixture that saw Clayton pick up his fifth booking of the season, which rules him out of tonight’s clash, as he serves a one-match suspension.

Both Boro and Villa are entering Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie on the back of a victory, with Monk’s side edging past QPR, whilst Villa impressed with a 3-0 victory over Barnsley at Oakwell on Saturday evening.

Whilst Monk will be without Traore and Clayton against Villa, he could welcome back Martin Braithwaite, who has not featured since the opening day of the Sky Bet Championship season.

Braithwaite picked up a hamstring injury early in his Middlesbrough career, but could play some part at Villa Park this evening.

The Verdict  

The absence of Traore and Clayton undoubtedly weakens Monk’s hand, but we are expecting to see a much-changed Middlesbrough side this evening in the Carabao Cup, particularly with a busy end to September in the Championship.

Both Boro and Villa will be prioritising the Championship this season, and it would be no surprise to see an open game this evening, a stark contrast to the league fixture last week.

Middlesbrough fans… Let us know your thoughts!