Middlesbrough vs Watford Match Preview.
Watford head up to the Riverside Stadium tomorrow to play promotion rivals Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship.
Both teams will be looking to get back to winning ways after the Hornets were held to a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, whilst Middlesbrough were defeat 2-0 by Wolves in midweek.
The Hornets currently sit in 2nd place in the table, one point behind leaders Derby County whilst Middlesbrough sit in 3rd position after an excellent start to the season.
During the two matches between the two sides last season, Watford were held to a 2-2 draw with Boro at the Riverside in November thanks to a last minute equaliser from Daniel Ayala, whilst the Hornets managed to win the returning fixture at Vicarage Road 1-0 thanks to a Troy Deeney penalty.
Middlesbrough are managed by former Real Madrid assistant manager Aitor Karanka who has brought the positivity back to the club with their recent start to the season, which sees them sitting in 3rd position in the table. With 7 wins out of their first 13 matches, the club are flying high and promotion ambitions could certainly become a reality if they keep up their good start to the season. The Spaniard took over as head coach in November last year, and guided them to a 12th place finish in the league last season.
One of the Boro’s key players tomorrow will be winger Albert Adomah. Adomah joined the club ahead of the 2013/14 season from Bristol City and scored 12 goals in 41 appearances during his first year with the club. So far this year, the Ghanaian international has found the back of the net three times and his pace and trickery has caused numerous problems for Championship defenders.
Another key player for Middlesbrough will be Spanish striker Kike. The 24 year old joined the club in the summer from Real Murcia and has hit the ground running scoring 5 goals for the club this season.
Middlesbrough will prove to be a stern test for the Golden Boys, whom will have to be at their best if they want to gain victory and be in with a chance of being top of the table come five o’clock.
Team News.
For Middlesbrough, Grant Leadbitter is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season. Midfielder Adam Clayton will be monitored ahead of kick off.
For Watford, midfielder Almen Abdi is out through a shoulder injury which he picked up in midweek. Defender Sebastien Bassong is a doubt whilst Craig Cathcart, Keith Andrews and Lewis McGugan are all fit after overcoming injuries. Gabriele Angella and Gabriel Tamas are out.
Predicted Lineups
Middlesbrough – Konstantopoulos (GK), Fredericks, Ayala, Omeruo, Friend, Adomah, Clayton, Whitehead, Tomlin, Kike, Bamford.
Watford – Gomes, Paredes, Ekstrand, Cathcart, Pudil, Tozser, McGugan, Munari, Forestieri, Vydra, Deeney ©.
Referee – James Adcock.