How we expect Middlesbrough will lineup when they clash with Hull City at the MKM Stadium
Middlesbrough’s players huddle(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg will be hoping to make it two wins from two when his side travel to Hull City on Friday evening.
The new Boro boss surprised many with some of his team selection decisions last weekend on the way to picking up victory over Derby County in his first game in charge. It was achieved with only one fit centre-back too.
That situation appears unlikely to change much for the trip to Hull City for the Sky Sports-televised fixture. Dael Fry, Darragh Lenihan and Luke Ayling remain out, while there’s a small chance George Edmundson and Aidan Morris could make the squad, but are unlikely to start.
With that in mind, how might Hellberg’s second Boro starting line-up look? Here’s how we expect Boro to line up at Hull, featuring two changes from the Derby win.
GK – Sol Brynn – Another solid performance against Derby County to help Boro to victory, Brynn continues to handle his first season as Boro’s number one with real assurance.
DR – Callum Brittain – Though part of a back four, Hellberg’s style appeared to give Brittain a lot of licence to get forward. He thrived in the role, supporting Whittaker well on the right flank.
DC – Alfie Jones – Hellberg’s preference for a high defensive line seemed to cause Alfie Jones some early problems. He’s been excellent so far this season though, and now returning to Hull, he’ll be desperate to put in a big performance.
DC – Matt Targett – Credit to Matt Targett. The Newcastle United loanee has really bought in at Boro this season and once again agreed to play out of position for the good of the team. With no returnees for this one, expect Targett to remain at centre-back.
DL – Alex Bangura – The big story of Hellberg’s first Boro team, Alex Bangura made his first competitive start for 22 months. Not only did he make it through the full 90 minutes, he excelled. Hellberg says he was fine after and trained well again all week, so expect him to retain his place.
CM – Alan Browne – One of the early sacrifices in the second half as Hellberg went all-out in search of an equaliser, Browne had also been ill in the build up to that game. Riley McGree was really positive when he replaced the Sunderland loanee, but expect Browne’s defensive nous to ensure he stays in the side for a tough away game.
CM – Hayden Hackney – TheTeessider is in a good moment right now and is playing really well. He played a major role in both Boro goals against Derby.
RW – Morgan Whittaker – Speaking of good moments, few players are in better form than Morgan Whittaker right now. He has three goals in three games, which is invaluable to a Boro side whose attack is otherwise struggling.
LW – Riley McGree – Sontje Hansen was so positive against Derby. Though he was forced off early in the second half, the injury wasn’t expected to be serious. Despite that, McGree helped change that game for Boro from the bench and as a wide forward in Hellberg’s 4-2-2-2, would offer that extra defensive work in a tough away game.
ST – David Strelec – The second change we’re predicting sees David Strelec come in for Delano Burgzorg, who struggled to make a positive impression on his new boss. Strelec has overcome a foot problem in recent weeks and, with Hellberg well aware of his talents, we predict he looks to unlock them in this one.
ST – Tommy Conway
If one man desperately needs a goal, it is Tommy Conway. His work-rate, movement and general play has been spot on, but that ball just won’t go in the back of the net for him. Hellberg continues to back him to get going.
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