Middlesbrough predicted team vs Stoke City with two changes after Michael Carrick's hint

Isaiah Jones of Middlesbrough warms up
-Credit: (Image: Richard Lee/REX/Shutterstock)


Middlesbrough are in need of an improved performance and a victory as they host Stoke City at the Riverside.

Looking to bounce back after their disappointing defeat to Sunderland last weekend, Michael Carrick has hinted that changes could come. Problems, particularly in attack, continue to cost Boro points and it's in that area of the pitch that changes feel most likely.

Ahead of the game, Carrick confirmed that Rav van den Berg and Marcus Forss are in contention to return from injury. However, Jonny Howson is still not ready, while Alex Gilbert, Dael Fry and Darragh Lenihan remain out. Here's our predicted Boro team for the Stoke game.

READ MORE: Michael Carrick considers ringing the changes for misfiring Middlesbrough against Stoke City

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GK - Seny Dieng - No reason for the Boro number one to not retain his place for this one. There was little he could do with Sunderland's goal last weekend and he remains first choice on merit.

DR - Luke Ayling - Ayling has the character to bounce back after his sloppy touch gifted Sunderland their break to score. Other than that, in a challenging afternoon, Ayling otherwise dealt with dangerman Romaine Mundle well. He could have another tricky afternoon ahead, with Stoke's forwards already proving their quality at the Riverside once this season.

DC - George Edmundson - Rav van den Berg is back in contention for this game and is likely to be back in the squad. However, with Edmundson starting well at the club, there feels little need to throw the Dutchman straight back in unless they're absolutely certain he's 100% fit. A better bet is easing him back with an appearance from the bench should the scenario in-game allow.

DC - Matt Clarke - Clarke had a difficult afternoon against Sunderland, with his passing out of defence particularly frustrating throughout. He'll be hoping to get back to his best in this one, while his recent attacking set-piece threat wouldn't go amiss if he can pop up with another goal.

DL - Neto Borges - It was another difficult afternoon for the Brazilian last weekend as he struggled to contain Patrick Roberts. He could face a similar challenge in this one too against Million Manhoef who came off the bench in the Carabao Cup clash and scored twice within seven minutes. That was against Lukas Engel, with Borges now the man who Boro need to step up at left-back.

CM - Aidan Morris - The USA international returned to the starting line-up at Sunderland and was about the only player to emerge with much credit. He continues to be the shining light of this Boro side with his early positive displays.

CM - Hayden Hackney - A poor display at Sunderland under-pinned what has been a bit of an underwhelming start to the season for the Boro star. He's formed a good partnership in midfield with Morris as Boro regularly dominate games as far as possession and territory are concerned. But there's a feeling that Boro just need a little bit extra from their star man.

RW - Ben Doak - Isaiah Jones' final ball continues to let him down as Boro struggle in attack. With that in mind, and with two really positive cameos from the bench in recent weeks, now feels as good a time as ever to make the change and introduce the explosive Liverpool loanee to the starting line-up.

LW - Delano Burgzorg - Similarly, on the other flank, since the introduction of Tommy Conway to the side, Finn Azaz has struggled to match his early season form when playing as the ten. Not only that, but his lack of pace to get back leaves the left-back more exposed too. It's another area where Boro feel ready for a change. With Micah Hamilton still settling and Riley McGree not yet back on the pitch after injury, it feels most likely for Burgzorg to get the nod.

SS - Tommy Conway - Another who, good chance missed aside, emerged from Sunderland with credit. He's proven a real asset to the Boro attack since first coming into the starting line-up at Cardiff. His energy and runs are really positive and now the hope will be that he and Latte Lath can start to develop an understanding to build a partnership.

ST - Emmanuel Latte Lath - The Boro striker has not scored since he netted a penalty on the opening day against Swansea City and his early harness has somewhat fizzled out in recent games. He could do with a goal and a good performance in this one.