MK Dons v Middlesbrough Preview

Aitor Karanka admitted he is ready to make 'a few' changes ahead of tonight’s game away at MK Dons, but remained tight-lipped on whether Jordan Rhodes would make his first start for the club.

The Boro boss was disappointed that he didn’t see a reaction from his players in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn, which was their third league game without a win. However he insisted there is still no pressure on his side, who are still in a ‘privileged position’

Karanka defended his decision not to start Rhodes, who signed from Blackburn for nine million pounds on transfer deadline day. ‘Players who are here deserve to play as we are in this position because of them.’

When asked about Boro’s dip in form, Karanka said it could be down to a number of reasons including the transfer window and cup fixtures, which have forced games to be rearranged.

In preparation for tonight’s game he said that he would like another week or 10 days to recover after Saturday’s draw, however he also expressed that it could be a positive as players can ‘lose intensity’ with too many days off.

Team News 

Boro's Daniel Ayala will miss the game
(Picture from smimg.net)

Karanka confirmed that Daniel Ayala will miss the game after the defender was forced off with a ankle injury before half time on Saturday.

The Boro boss confirmed that he will make a few changes to his side so Jordan Rhodes and Gaston Ramirez could be in line for their first starts.  Midfielders Grant Leadbitter and Adam Clayton are both on 9 yellow cards for the season so would face a two-game ban if they pick up one more.

Striker Alex Revell could make his debut for The Dons after signing from Cardiff in the January transfer window.

Carl Baker, Ben Reeves and Matt Upson remain out with long term injuries, apart from that manager Karl Robinson should have a full strength squad to pick from.

The Opposition

As expected The Dons are struggling near the bottom of the table following their promotion from League One last season, and are only two points clear of the bottom three.

In his five year spell at the club, Dons manager Karl Robinson has done a good job on a tight budget and is a well-respected as one of England’s young, up and coming managers.

The Dons have struggled for goals this campaign. Josh Murphy, on loan from Norwich is their top scorer with six goals this season, and he scored The Dons’ last league goal in a 3-1 defeat to Bolton.

After a decent cup run, which ended with a 5-1 defeat to Chelsea, Dons have had to refocus on their league campaign. Their last victory was a 1-0 win over Reading on January 16. Tonights game follows a goalless draw away at Cardiff on Saturday.

MK Dons' Sam Carruthers
(Picture from zimbio.com)

One To Watch

Samir Carruthers

The 22-year-old Irishman has featured in 27 of The Dons’ 29 league games this season and can play across the midfield, wide or behind the striker.

He is one of The Dons’ most creative players and has five assists in the league. He can also be a threat from set plays.

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 2 MK Dons 0

It was the first ever meeting between the two sides when they met at the Riverside back in September.  Dons defended well for 70 minutes, even if there was a bit of time wasting, and could have taken the lead when Simon Church hit the post on the counter attack.

A moment of quality from Stewart Downing finally broke the deadlock when he cut in from the right and curled a left foot shot into the top corner. David Nugent doubled Boro's lead 11 minutes later.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from gazettelive.co.uk)

Karanka said he will make 'a few' changes for this game and I agree that the team needs freshening up a bit.

I think the back four picks its self due to injuries, and I would like to see Forshaw given a chance as I believe he gives us more creativity going forward, even though the Leadbitter- Clayton partnership has been immense this season.

I would like to see Stuani get a run through the middle and Downing on the wing as I believe they are their best positions. This has to be the time to unleash Jordan Rhodes after his much anticipated move.