Boro’s last game saw Middlesbrough edge out a tight win over Millwall, in what was Neil Harris’ last game. Whereas, after failing to win the last six games, pressure is mounting upon Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth side who sit 23rd in the table and need a result against the Boro. Therefore, a big win for Boro could see Rooney lose his job at Carrick’s hands once again.
Coming Into The Game
Despite a poor performance away at Leeds, and perhaps a missed opportunity at Turf Moor, Boro got back to winning ways in a cagey affair with Millwall. An important win, which was definitely under threat at times, saw Boro move back up to 6th place in the Championship on goal difference. Therefore, sitting on the same points as Watford and 3 behind Blackburn with one more game played, getting a big result at Plymouth may be pivotal for Boro.
While some of Boro’s recent games may be disappointing, it would be an understatement to describe Plymouth’s form as disappointing. Losing 4 of the last six games and conceding 17 goals in that time, pressure is mounting upon Wayne Rooney and his job may be under threat if they endure a big loss at Boro’s hands.
Boro Predicted XI
GK-Sol Brynn: After a man of the match performance against Millwall, making two crucial saves, it would be a bold choice to drop Brynn for Dieng who has looked ropey at times this season.
LB-Neto Borges: Despite struggling at times in the season, Borges – Boro’s only fit starting LB with Bangura and Engel still out, looked solid against Millwall.
CB-Rav Van Den Berg: Being a sure start last season, Rav was straight back in against Millwall and looked solid, stopping plenty of counter attacks. Therefore, its likely Carrick sides with the strength of Van Den Berg against Millwall.
CB-George Edmundson: Seemingly favoured over Clarke by Carrick, it’s likely Carrick goes with his favoured pair of Edmundson and Rav at the back, unless Fry is back after being out last game.
RB-Anfernee Dijksteel: With Ayling out for a few weeks at least, Dijksteel is a sure start at RB, having impressed numerous times this season.
CM-Hayden Hackney: Unless he has any problems, Carrick is unlikely to drop Hackney due to the influence he can have on again and the amount of progressive passes he makes, which could be important in a game like this.
CM-Dan Barlaser: The first big choice for Carrick to make is who he will put alongside Hackney in midfield. While Howson looked very good at the weekend against Millwall essentially running the midfield, we think Carrick could side with Barlaser due to the through balls he makes, which could be pivotal against the leggy defence of Plymouth.
CAM-Finn Azaz: Making the key pass and securing the assist for the goal at the weekend, Azaz is proving how essential he is to Boro’s prolific attack, making the most chances in the league.
LW-Delano Burgzorg: Looking impressive at the weekend, despite being tired coming off, Burgzorg is likely to start, having embedded well within the attack now. His direct runs and switch ups with the strikers prove a problem for opposition defenders.
ST-Emanuel Latte Lath: Providing the only goal at the weekend, Carrick may be more likely to side with Latte Lath, who’s pace could prove a real problem for Plymouth’s defenders from runs in behind.
RW-Ben Doak: Despite struggling in the last couple games, much like Latte Lath, his direct play may be a real problem for the Plymouth defence, creating goal opportunities for Boro.
