Encouraging early Middlesbrough trend as Michael Carrick's side bid to bounce back vs Portsmouth

Sam Parkin has backed Middlesbrough to bounce back from last weekend's disappointment when they host Portsmouth this weekend - with their chance creation offering real encouragement.

Boro were frustrated by Derby County's low-block last weekend as they lost 1-0 at Pride Park despite having 20 shots on goal. It followed their opening-game victory over Swansea City in which Michael Carrick's side enjoyed 18 attempts at goal in a game they did manage to win.

Portsmouth, meanwhile, back in the Championship for the first time in 12 years, have started their campaign with two draws against Leeds United and Luton Town. It's a positive start for the newly-promoted side against two sides among the favourites to achieve promotion this season, and both of whom are in receipt of parachute payments.

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But expecting Boro to bounce back, EFL pundit Parkin told the Championship Check-in Podcast: “It’s a tough game to predict. Middlesbrough have had the most shots of any team in the league across the first two games. They had so many opportunities against Derby in what ultimately ended in a defeat.

"I do think they will start to go in for them though - Tommy Conway added to the ranks there now as well. It’s going to take Pompey a little time and they’re a bit disrupted by some big players missing for the early part of the season. I will go for them to score, but lose at the Riverside. 3-1 to Middlesbrough.”

Boro will be hoping Parkin's prediction proves right as they look to get quickly back on the track after learning from their Derby frustrations. Breaking down low-block defences proved a real issue last term as well, but with a week to further integrate new signings Tommy Conway and Micah Hamilton, Carrick will be hoping his attack has enough to find a way past Pompey.