Middlesbrough host QPR in the Championship on Saturday as Kim Hellberg looks to continue his impressive start.
Middlesbrough have had a turbulent season so far. Manager Rob Edwards left his post to join Premier League side Wolves in November, with Boro leaving in pursuit of runaway leaders Coventry City.
Edwards was replaced by Swedish manager Kim Hellbergwho has made a perfect start to his tenure after three successive wins over Derby County, Hull City and Charlton Athletic.
Now Boro host QPR on Saturday as they look to close the gap on first place again.
As for QPR, they are currently in 7th place and level with the Hull City in the play-off spots. After a comfortable win over West Brom last weekend, the Hoops secured a final victory over Birmingham City in midweek, but Middlesbrough will provide a much stronger test.
Middlesbrough team news
Middlesbrough received a welcome squad boost in midweek as several players were available again on the bench against Charlton Athletic.
Hellberg will face a dilemma over whether to replace his midfield duo of Alex Gilbert and Hayden Hackney when Sunderland loanee Alan Browne returns from the bench.
Experienced defender Luke Ayling and centre-back George Edmundson also made substitute appearances. Ayling replaced Alex Bangura in the 60th minute, while Edmundson simultaneously came on for the in-form Morgan Whittaker.
Middlesbrough will be without centre-back Darragh Lenihan and defender Dael Fry, who were not involved this week and as their absences continue. Fry is closing in on his return, but the quick turnaround between games means he is unlikely to be involved.
It is hoped that David Streelec is ready to go again after missing the trip to South London through illness.
David Streelec’s Middlesbrough stats
Predicted XI
(4-4-2)
Brynn; Great Britain, Jones, Ayling, Targett; Whittaker, Gilbert, Hackney, McGree; Conway, Burzorg
Middlesbrough have strong defensive reinforcements for the first time in weeks as Ayling and Edmundson return to action. The duo will provide experience and desire to continue their strong form, and with games happening in such quick succession, it’s reasonable to expect Hellberg to make changes where available.
Ayling could slot in at centre-back, while Matt Targett would shift to left-back. As a result, Alex Bangura would have to drop out due to his good form, but it may be wise to keep an eye on his minutes.
Further up the field, Riley McGree was taken off in midweek, likely keeping his place in the unchanged midfield.
Striker Tommy Conway has made 20 appearances for Middlesbrough so far and his partnership with Delano Burzorg has helped Boro regain their form. This would allow the Dutchman to keep his place above Streelec.
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