Boro v Burton Preview

Boro v Burton Preview

After Saturday nights nail biting 1-0 home victory the optimism of Boro fans is beginning to build.

The thought of another 3 points looms, but standing in the way of that are Burton Albion.

The Albion haven't exactly had the greatest of starts to the season picking up no points out of a possible six, in their opening two games. Yet the bottom of the league club will be hoping to cause an upset on Teesside.

However, they will be without their suspended star man Jackson Irvine, who was sent off for a second bookable offence after netting Burton's only goal in their 4-1 defeat away at Hull.

Burton will also be without ex Wigan, Villa and Leeds full back Steven Warnock for the game, giving boss Nigel Clough a real selection headache.

Formation wise, Burton look set to use five at the back, something similar to what Sheffield United showcased on Saturday night. Most likely in an attempt to combat against Garry Monk's new found front 3.

One opposing player to look out for is striker Lucas Akins. The speedy forward had previously been used as a winger for the Albion although since being moved into a more central position, Akins has caused opposition defences some serious troubles. He even had an effort wrongly ruled out for offside at the weekend, something he will be looking to put right in Tuesday's up and coming clash.

Now onto the game from the home sides perspective. It looks as though Boro will be yet again without defender Daniel Ayala and Danish forward Martin Braithwaite. This allowing young Dael Fry to again start a Championship match. With Braithwaite again looking set to be out as well, Saturday's match winner Rudy Gestede will surely retain his position alongside both Britt Assombalonga and Patrick Bamford.

Changes wise, the starting 11 is set to be almost identicall to the one which lined up for Sheffield United. Nevertheless it would be no surprise to see Lewis Baker make his first start after showing some small snippets of class, in his cameo role during the first win of the season. Perhaps the loanee may replace Adam Forshaw in the team, even despite coming on for Gestede in the last match.

Middlesbrough will be hoping to make it two wins from two homes games on Tuesday night. In what promises to be one of the many games in which a team will come to the Riverside this season, to ultimately defend for 90 minutes in the hope of 'nicking' a point from a promotion favourite. It will be a tough test for Garry Monk's men to brake down the proposed five at the back but if we are to be promoted, it is something which will undoubtedly have to be done. After all, there's nothing quite like grinding out a 1-0 home victory under the lights at the Riverside.

What is your score prediction for the game? Have your say on the Boro forum.

Match preview by @CCass6.

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