Swansea City will be hoping to resume their season strongly this weekend, as Steve Cooper's side prepare to take on struggling Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

A top-six finish will be on the Swans' sights heading into the final nine games of the season, after what has been a positive first season in charge for Cooper thus far.

The Swans currently sit 11th in the Championship table and only three points off the play-offs, with vital fixtures against Bristol City, Millwall and Nottingham Forest still to come.

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This weekend, though, it's a trip to the North East to face a Middlesbrough side sitting only two points clear of the relegation zone, and desperate to pick up points under Jonathan Woodgate.

Swansea have won only five games on the road this season, but it will be interesting to see if their away form starts to pick up in front of an empty Riverside Stadium this weekend.

Here, we take a look at the XI that we expect Cooper to field against Boro on Saturday afternoon...

There's really only one option for Swansea in goal this weekend, and that man is Freddie Woodman who has been excellent all season long.

Cooper could throw Roberts back into the team this weekend, after being left on the bench for Kyle Naughton in their 0-0 draw with West Brom before the break.

Joe Rodon should undoubtedly start for Swansea, as he has been tremendous under Cooper this term.

Partnering Rodon should be the impressive Ben Cabango, who has really thrived alongside Rodon in the heart of defence.

Completing the back-line should be Jake Bidwell, who will be eager to use his experience to help guide City into the play-offs.

Moving into midfield, and captain Matt Grimes should absolutely start for Cooper's men on Saturday.

Partnering Grimes, as has been the case on a regular occasion this term, should be Jay Fulton who has enjoyed an impressive campaign.

Ayew's goals could be the different for Swansea between now and the end of the season - he's on 14 goals for the campaign, chipping in with five assists.

Gallgher has been hugely impressive since joining on loan from Chelsea in January, registering five assists since making the move to the Liberty Stadium.

Kalulu's pace could be key for Swansea this weekend against a Boro side that are likely to leave space given their use of wing-backs.

Having extended his stay at Swansea after arriving on loan from Liverpool, Brewster will be keen to add to his tally, starting with this weekend.