Picture-Wikimedia Commons (Adam Haworth)
Recent Form
Boro have of course, seen a significant improvement in form in recent games, especially in front of goal, racking up as many as 19 goals in only 5 games – 4 of which they’ve picked up all 3 points. A theme of Boro finally putting away their chances, having the highest XG in the Championship, has saw Carrick’s side move up to 5th in the championship, the highest position Boro have been in since the 22/23 season.
Burnley, meanwhile, come into this intriguing Friday night clash in even better form than Boro. Over their last five games, Scott Parker’s side has secured an impressive four wins and a draw, setting the stage for a compelling encounter. Building on their tight defence and relentless ability to stay competitive in every match, Burnley have climbed to second in the table. Sitting six points ahead of Boro, this clash takes on added significance as it could prove pivotal in Boro’s fight to stay in the promotion race.
Predicted Starting XI
GK-Sol Brynn: While Seny Dieng is reported to be back in full training, creating a potential decision for Carrick, we expect him not to rush Seny back into the starting lineup, with academy graduate Brynn impressing as his replacement.
LB-Luke Ayling: With Neto Borges struggling at the weekend in defence, there is a real question for Carrick whether he can handle the threat posed by Jaidon Anthony. In such a crucial game, there’s a real possibility Carrick decides to side with the experience of Ayling, despite his preference for the right. While Lukas Engel and Alex Bangura, are close to coming back into the fold, Neto Borges remains the only fit left-sided full back, leaving Carrick with a key decision to make.
CB-George Edmundson: Building on his great form since joining on loan from Ipswich, Edmundson looked comfortable once again in defence for Boro in their 3-1 win over Hull City. Despite Matt Clarke providing a real challenge and Rav Van Den Berg nearing full fitness, its likely Carrick sides with Edmundson.
CB-Dael Fry: Before his injury, Fry was a key figure in Carrick’s team, making it easy to see why he has reclaimed his place after regaining fitness, given how well he fits within the system. With three games approaching in quick succession, Carrick is likely to rotate between Fry and Clarke based on the specific demands of each match. This leaves Carrick with another important decision: whether Clarke’s reliability or Fry’s playstyle is better suited to the challenge posed by Burnley.
RB-Anfernee Dijksteel: The choice of right-back for Boro may hinge on Carrick’s decision at left-back, between Borges and Ayling. That said, Anfernee Dijksteel has consistently impressed when called upon this season, making him a strong candidate to start on either side against Burnley on Friday. While Carrick might consider shifting Ayling—who has captained the side on several occasions—to right-back if Borges starts on the left, it would be harsh on Dijksteel to lose his place, given his strong performances in recent games
CM-Hayden Hackney: One of the first names on the team sheet after coming back from injury, Hackney may well take the armband for Boro once again, after doing so on Saturday. He will be likely to impress as he did against Hull City on Saturday, highlighting how he was missed in the prior games.
CM-Dan Barlaser: Despite filling in very well for Morris in recent games, there may be a question for Carrick whether to replace Barlaser with Howson, due to his defensive abilities. However, with Howson looking more off the pace in recent games, Carrick may side with the reliability Barlaser has shown in recent games.
CAM-Finn Azaz: Producing yet another return in Saturday’s game, Finn Azaz is really beginning to show his worth for Middlesbrough having bagged 6 goals and 7 assists in 17 matches. Along with Doak and Hackney, he is one of the first names on the team sheet.
LW-Delano Burgzorg: Despite Riley Mcgree coming back to full fitness, it is most likely that Carrick sticks with Burgzorg who has looked comfortable and dangerous down the left flank in recent games. There is also a case to make whether Conway could start on the left, given he seems to drift off left much of the time-also allowing Latte Lath to return up front.
ST-Tommy Conway: Another big call to make for Carrick is whether to stick with Conway up top or to side with Emanuel Latte Lath who has been just as clinical, being Boro’s top goal scorer with 7 goals. Thanks to his effective partnership with Doak and a standout performance capped by a brace in the last game, Conway appears set to just claim the starting spot over Latte Lath.
RW-Ben Doak: Another name put straight on the clean sheet, Doak continues to impress with the cutting edge danger he poses to full backs.
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