Boro Back On Track After Away Victory

Sheffield Wednesday   1        Middlesbrough   3

                          Matias  64                                                          Reach  42   Fabbrini  67 

                                                                                         Stuani  86

Second half substitute Christian Stuani scored his first league goal for new club Middlesbrough as they resisted a second half comeback to beat Sheffield Wednesday by 3 goals to 1 away from home.

Stuani who arrived from Espanyol for a fee of just under £3 million had already netted 4 goals against lower opposition in the Capital One Cup but was yet to register in his four league appearances.

Stuani and Fabbrini were both on target at Hillsborough

Boro hadn’t won at Hillsborough since 2009 but took the lead on 42 minutes when a Grant Leadbitter corner wasn’t cleared and Adam Reach stroked away the follow up.

Wednesday were yet to lose on home turf in the league and drew level after the break when Marco Matias's shot deflected off Boro defender Ben Gibson and into the roof of the net.

However the host’s fight back was short lived and within the space of three minutes Boro had retaken the lead thanks to a calm finish from Diego Fabbrini.

Stuani sealed the points four minutes from time when he lashed the ball across goal past Owls Lewis Price to spread the icing well-constructed cake. It’s a result which moves Boro up to 6^th in the table with eight points after five games and going into this week’s international break they are five points better off than at this stage last season.

City Stun Boro At The Riverside

Middlesbrough    0        Bristol City    1

                                                                   Bryan  8

It's a result which few will have expected but many Boro fans will have feared. Bristol City had never lost at the Riverside in their four previous league visits and that didn’t change in today’s 3 o’clock kick off.

Boro's Daniel Ayala and Bristol City's Bobby Reid

Boro were many people’s favourites for promotion before the season began and hadn’t lost coming into the fourth match of the new campaign. In contrast newly promoted City had picked up just one point out of a possible nine. But on this occasion the Championship’s old cliché “anyone can beat anyone” summed up proceedings perfectly.

City had a game plan and stuck to it with all they could muster; their organised and well drilled 5-3-2 formation worked a treat to earn them a 1-0 victory and a valuable three points.

Boro will know this was an opportunity missed and results like this can’t be a regular occurrence especially at the Riverside. After falling behind to Joe Bryan’s goal the hosts spent the majority of the second half camped inside their opponent’s half but after 8 shots on target, 8 corners and an afternoon full of frustration, City’s lead remained intact.

Prior to kick off Aitor Karanka made four changes from the side which drew 1-1 at Derby in mid-week and many eyebrows will have been raised when the likes of Kike, Diego Fabbrini, Albert Adomah and Ben Gibson were named on the bench.

In their absence David Nugent made his first league start as the lone striker while Yanic Wildchut started on the left and Christian Stuani on the right. That meant Stewart Downing was moved into the number 10 position behind the striker, while Emilio Nsue came in at right back and Tomas Kalas was shifted to centre half.

In contrast City manager Steve Cotterill made just two changes from the side which drew 1-1 with Leeds in midweek, former Boro right back Ryan Fredericks dropped to the bench with Callum Robinson as Mark Little and Bobby Reid replaced them.

At times the visitors rode their luck and by the end their attacking prowess had sunk deep inside their own half of the pitch. Even so this wasn’t simply a case of “parking the bus”. They began with energy and applied pressure from the off, the only goal of the game was a neat move oozing with craft and slick passing.

It came on eight minutes down the visitor’s left when midfielder Bobby Reid set up set up Bryan inside the penalty area before the full back curled a right footed shot into the top corner past Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopulos.

Karanka’s changes will no doubt be questioned and the balance of the team appeared a little disjointed. It wasn’t the first time Kalas looked out of position at centre back and the Czech defender looks a lot more stable on the right side. On the left Stuani lacked the qualities of an out and out winger and looks more suited down the middle.

Nevertheless things could have been different if they had drawn level minutes after falling behind. The majority of the 22,236 inside the Riverside thought they had when George Friend nodded a corner into the path of Downing who struck the ball past keeper Ben Hammer, however the goal was chalked off for an foul inside the penalty area.

Moments later Daniel Ayala went close for the hosts but his long range effort was deflected wide, however the two best chances of the half both fell to City. After 16 minutes Jonathan Kodjia escaped the clutches of Boro’s often tight defence and teed up Bryan who fired straight at Konstantopulos, the ball quickly spun to the feet of Reid who fired over the bar from close range.

After half an hour Kodjia took on a chance of his own as Konstantopulos was forced into another save, Boro’s best efforts came when Downing fired a low shot wide before Nsue tested Hammer with another long range effort.

The City keeper would play a crucial role for the visitors after half time, as Boro piled forward for an equaliser. Just before the hour mark he made a hat-trick of saves first stopping Nsue’s low cross before making a point blank save to deny Stuani who connected with Downing’s cross.

The best of the bunch came soon after when Downing picked out Ayala at the back post however his towering header was scrambled out by Hammer who had scurried across goal to make an impressive save.

Fabbrini, Adomah and Kike were all introduced as second half substitutes but the game was beginning to have an inevitable feel to it. No matter what Boro tried the ball just would go in, they came close again when Leadbitter’s shot deflected into Nugent’s path but his effort trickled wide.

Player Ratings

Dimi Konstantopulos    7- Made some decent saves to keep the score at 1-0

Emilio Nsue   6- Tried to create extra an option from right back

Tomas Kalas   5- Looked uncomfortable at centre back

Daniel Ayala   6.5- Has asserted himself as Boro’s best defender  

George Friend   6.5- Got forward and back from left back

Adam Clayton   6- Had to drop back as more offensive players piled forward late in the game

Grant Leadbitter   5.5- Made a few loose passes

Yanic Wildchut   6- Got into some good positions but final delivery let him down

Stewart Downing   7- Looked like the player who might make something happen with some decent crosses

Christian Stuani   5.5- Struggled out of position on the right

David Nugent   5.5- Still looked a little off the pace on first start

Subs

Diego Fabbrini   6- Couldn’t find enough space on the edge of the box

Albert Adomah   6- Got into some good positions but crossing wasn’t its best

Kike   6- Came on with 15 minutes to go, surprising that he didn’t start

My Boro Man Of The Match: Dimi Konstantopulos

    

Middlesbrough v Bristol City Preview

Middlesbrough will return to the Riverside for the second Saturday running to take on newly promoted Bristol City in the fourth game of the new season. After coming within minutes of beating Derby on Tuesday night Boro manager Aitor Karanka described the 1-1 draw as a “very good point” despite Johnny Russell’s 88^th minute equaliser at the IPro Stadium. After three games Bristol City are still yet to claim their first victory back in the second tier, however they can take confidence from their midweek draw at home to Leeds where they scored twice in the last two minutes to rescue a 2-2 draw.

Team News

Tuesday’s trip to Derby saw Boro centre back Ben Gibson return to action after the England Under 21 international missed the first few games of the season with a hamstring injury. Boro have no new injury concerns and could line up with an unchanged side, however Karanka has been known to make alterations in the past so could do so again. On Tuesday Spanish striker Kike scored his third goal in two games and will expect to lead the line once again, even with new signings Christian Stuani and David Nugent still waiting for their first starts in the league.

Bristol City are still without goalkeeper Frank Fielding who has a shoulder problem so new loan signing Ben Hamer is likely to keep his place in goal. They will be without forward Luke Freeman who received a straight red card in the home game with Brentford and will serve the second of his three match suspension. The Robins are likely to start with right Ryan Fredericks who was on loan at Boro last season, the defender will probably line up as a wing back in a 5-3-2 formation which City have deployed in their opening games.  

Facts And Stats

The last meeting between the sides at the Riverside came back in 2012 when City won 3-1 and Albert Adomah, then at City now at Boro, scored the opener.

It’s still very early but Kike is currently the Championship’s top scorer on three goals.

Bristol City are yet to lose at the Riverside winning two and drawing two in their four league visits.

Key Players

Boro's Key

Grant Leadbitter

Boro midfielder Grant Leadbitter

Boro’s midfield duo of captain Grant Leadbitter and Adam Clayton have built a strong reputation over the past season, protecting the back four and being hard to break down. That was the case at Derby where Boro had just 32% possession and were forced to do a lot of defending. At home it’s often a different story when Boro see more of the ball and are faced with the task of breaking teams down. Last season Leadbittr scored 10 league goals but none came after January. There will be times this season where the likes of Downing, Adomah and Fabbrini aren’t at their best, and it may come down to Boro’s skipper to add an attacking threat from midfield.

One To Watch

Korey Smith

Bristol City midfielder Korey Smith

Smith was a regular in his first season with City as he helped the Robins earn promotion to England’s second tier. The central midfielder was a key asset breaking up play and making tackles in the middle of the park. After coming through the youth academy at Norwich City Smith couldn’t cement a permanent place in the Canaries’ first team  on his game against the likes of Grant Leadbitter and Adam Clayton in the Boro midfield, in what should be a key battle.

Form

Middlesbrough

Preston NE 0-0 D

Oldham 1-3 W (Capital One Cup)

Bolton Wanderers 3-0 W

Derby County 1-1 D

Bristol City

Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 L

Luton 1-3 (Capital One Cup) L

Brentford 2-4 L

Leeds United 2-2 D

Prediction

Middlesbrough 2 Bristol City 0

Boro were very impressive against Bolton at the Riverside a week ago and they will be favourites to produce a similar performance against the Robins. City may not come into the match in great form but could be difficult to break down if they adapt the same 5-3-2 formation they have played in the opening games. Even so I think Boro will have too much fire power upfront. 

Rams Strike Late To Deny Boro

Derby    1        Middlesbrough    1    

A late equaliser from Derby’s Johnny Russell denied Middlesbrough their first away victory of the season, as two of the bookmaker’s promotion favourites played out a 1-1 draw at the IPro Stadium.

Boro's Albert Adomah in action at Derby

  

Russell, a first half substitute for the injured Jeff Hendrick, stuck with two minutes of normal time remaining when he latched onto Ryan Shotton’s long pass. The Rams had trailed the visitors for just over 80 minutes following Kike’s opener; it was Derby’s third straight draw of the new campaign following stalemates with Bolton and Charlton.  

Kike’s goal on 16 minutes was his third in two games and came courtesy of George Friend’s though ball inside the penalty area, which the Spanish striker cannoned across goal past Rams keeper Scott Carson.

Derby almost took the lead moments earlier when Hendrik’s shot required an outstretched save from Dimi Konstantopulos. In the second half Konstantopulos appeared to have earned Boro all three points when he kept out Tom Ince’s free kick and Chris Martin’s header, but when Russell found space inside penalty area the Boro keeper was unable to stop him as he salvaged a point for the home side.  

Middlesbrough v Derby Preview

Middlesbrough and Derby began the season as pre-season promotion favourites according to most bookmakers and the two teams will go head to head at the IPro Stadium in the third match of the Championship season. New Derby manager Paul Clement will be hoping to record a first victory since taking the job in June, the former Real Madrid assistant has so far seen his side record two league draws against Bolton and Charlton which came either side of a shock Capital One cup defeat to Portsmouth. Like Clement, Boro manager Aitor Karanka was also an assistant manager in the Spanish capital and has since had a season to adapt in England’s second tier, on Saturday Boro’s pre-season promise turned into an eye-catching performance as they swept aside Bolton 3-0.

Team News

Karanka is still without centre back Ben Gibson who is still out with a hamstring strain, against Bolton he moved Tomas Kalas to centre half and recalled Emilio Nsue to play at right back. He could also call upon 17 year old Dael Fry, who made his debut in the opening game at Preston, or Jack Stephens who is on loan from Southampton. The Boro manager also has a decision to make regarding who should start upfront.  Spanish striker Kike will be the favourite after scored two goals on Saturday but will face competition from new signings Christian Stuani and David Nugent.

The Rams are still without central midfielders Craig Bryson and Will Hughes, after the latter was ruled out for six months with damaged anterior cruciate ligament which he sustained on the opening day against Bolton. Forwards Darren Bent and Andreas Weimann both started on the bench against Charlton at the weekend but could come in due to the Rams only scoring one goal in two games.

Facts and Stats

Boro did the double over Derby last season winning 2-0 at the Riverside and 1-0 at the IPro Stadium

Darren Bent scored five goals in his first five league appearances against Middlesbrough but has failed to score in his past three (BBC Sport).

Kike scored his first double in English football in Middlesbrough's 3-0 win over Bolton (BBC Sport)

Key Players

Middlesbrough's Diego Fabbrini

Boro’s Key

Diego Fabbrini

After arriving on loan from Watford, Boro’s new signing has hit the ground running. He was the catalyst in Boro’s 3-0 victory over Bolton, scoring and 30 yard screamer and setting up the other two. The Italian’s quick feet and intelligent movement should help Boro going forward this season as they aim to return to the Premier League.

One To Watch

Chris Martin

Derby's Chris Martin

Derby’s top scorer from last season netted his first goal of the new campaign in the 1-1 draw with Charlton on Saturday. It was no coincidence that Derby’s dip in form towards the end of the last campaign coincided with Martin’s injury, despite missing two months of action Martin still scored 18 goals and his fitness will be vital if the Rams are to sustain a serious promotion challenge.

Recent Form

Middlesbrough

Preston 0-0 D

Oldham 1-3 W (Capital One Cup)

Bolton Wanderers 3-0 W

Derby

Bolton Wanderers 0-0 D

Portsmouth 2-1 L (Capital One Cup)

Charlton 1-1 D

Prediction

Derby 1 Middlesbrough 1

I expect both these side to be challenging at the top of the table in the latter stages of the season. Both sides have quality going forward but will be desperate not to lose so I think it could end in a draw. 

Boro Back On Promotion Trail

Middlesbrough    3         Bolton    0  

                 Fabbrini  7  Kike  17, 32

They may have lost the £90 million play-off final, but Middlesbrough are showing early signs that they are ready to climb back onto the Championship promotion trail.

Boro celebrate their opening goal

Their victory over Bolton Wanderers was as good as done after just 30 minutes; three goals in a dominant half hour spell did the damage and paved the way for a comfortable 3-0 victory.

At times last season Boro lacked bite in the attacking third; flair and quality which helped the likes of Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich earn promotion. Chairman Steve Gibson has gone some way to addressing that this season and this was evidence things are beginning to click.

Patrick Bamford may not have returned and Lee Tomlin may have packed his bags, but there are new arrivals ready to light up the Riverside as Boro try end their six year stay in England’s second tier.

Diego Fabbrini signed on loan from Watford and already looks like a player equipped to take the Championship by storm. After seven minutes he had opened the scoring with a 30 yard rocket, after seventeen he’d released teammate Kike through on goal to double Boro’s lead.

Operating in the number10 position Fabbrini wasn’t the only one contributing to Boro’s early and fast flowing attacks, but he was the catalyst and it was the Italian’s shot, with just over half an hour gone, which rebounded off the cross bar and allowed the rejuvenated Kike to make it three.

There was also a second home debut at the Riverside for Stewart Downing who added pace and thrust down Boro’s left, while fellow new signings David Nugent and Christian Stuani demonstrated Boro’s strength in depth upfront by starting on the bench before making brief cameos.

Of course after such a performance, which manager Aitor Karanka believed “could be the best half” Boro have played under him, it’s easy to get carried away. In truth Bolton put up little resistance and their injury hit side which was missing the likes of captain Darren Pratley were toppled over with relative ease.

It wasn’t just the new faces which impressed, the likes of Grant Leadbitter, Adam Clayton, George Friend and Daniel Ayala helped recreate the solid backbone which got Boro to the play-off final last time around.

From a defensive point of view they will no doubt face greater challenges than that of today, Wanderers managed to register just one shot on target as they relied on forwards Liam Feeney and veteran Emile Heskey to lead the line.

"I take full responsibility for the first half. I set the team out that way - with three at the back - and it didn't work” said Wanderers manager Neil Lennon after the game. "The players didn't get to grips with it very well and we let Middlesbrough dictate the game”

Even without the possession Boro were rarely threatened as they won the ball back quickly and in dangerous areas. On the flanks Downing and Adomah were swift to capitalise on any hesitant play or loose passes from the opposition while in the middle Fabbrini’s fast feet and nimble moves went untracked.   

The Italian’s opener was an early goal of the season contender; after drifting in from the left a shot appeared optimistic thinking, but from a central position and about 30 yards from goal Fabbrini struck a thundering shot which flew into the top left corner leaving Bolton keeper Ben Amos no chance.

That set the tone for the 23,333 fans inside the Riverside who had already seen Stewart Downing’s effort saved after three minutes and George Friend fire wide after four.

As Karanka later expressed the football in the opening exchanges was sharp and positive and Boro doubled their lead ten minutes later. Fabbrini picked up the ball in a similar position but this time elected to slip the ball though to Kike who had escaped the attention of the Bolton defence, one touch was all that was required as the Spanish forward rolled the ball past Amos and into the net.

The Boro pressure continued as Kike had an effort blocked on 20 minutes before referee James Adcock became public enemy number one with the Boro fans. After sending Albert Adomah to the touchline to put his boot back on, the man in charge didn’t allow the Ghanaian winger chance to return to the pitch straight away prompting a raucous response from the home crowd.

Once again it was Fabbrini who created Boro’s third and surely future opponents won’t allow him as much space on the edge of the penalty area. His shot on 32 minutes took a wicked deflection off Bolton defender Dorian Dervite and stooped over Amos, who managed to back track and tip it on to the cross bar, nevertheless it made no difference as Kike reacted first to tap in the rebound.

At 3-0 the game was as good as over, but it could have been more if Boro had kept up their finishing in the second half. Before the break Leadbitter’s shot whistled over the bar, minutes after the restart the Boro skipper crossed the ball to Downing on the left but his zipping shot back across goal went just wide.

At the break Bolton brought on highly rated forward Zach Clough for Jay Spearing however it had already became a lost cause. On 63 minutes Stuani replace Fabbrini who left the pitch to the chants of “Diego Diego” then with 7 minutes remaining Kike made way for Nugent.

There will be tougher tests starting with a trip to Derby on Tuesday night.

Player Ratings

Dimi Konstantopulos   6- Had a few crosses to catch but that was it

Emilio Nsue   6.5- Got forward from right back wasn’t really tested defensively

Tomas Kalas   6.5- Comfortable afternoon at the back

Daniel Ayala   6.5- One of the first names on the team sheet, solid at the back

George Friend   7- Linked up well with Downing in the first half

Adam Clayton   7- Won the ball in midfield and showed good discipline

Grant Leadbitter   7- Good range of passing and showed more of an urge to join in with attacks  

Albert Adomah   8- Worked his socks off on the right and was a constant menace for the Bolton full back

Stewart Downing   7.5- Made a couple of good threatening runs down the left

Diego Fabbrini   8.5- Was untouchable for half an hour as he ripped Bolton’s defence apart

Kike   8- Took his goals well, knew he had to impress with Nugent and Stuani on the bench

Subs

Christian Stuani   6- Came on for 25 minutes, didn’t get a decent chance

Adam Foreshaw   6- Came on for the last 16 minutes

David Nugent – Came on for the last 7 minutes not enough time to give a fair rating

My Boro Man Of The Match: Diego Fabbrini

Middlesbrough v Bolton Preview

Both Middlesbrough and Bolton began their seasons with goalless draws as the Championship got under way last weekend and both sides will be hoping to register their first victory and goal in tomorrow’s 3:00 kick-off. Boro lost just three times at the Riverside in the last campaign and will play their first competitive match there since their memorable play-off semi-final victory over Brentford. In comparison Bolton will be looking for their first league victory in seven games after a disappointing end to last season, as manager Neil Lennon continues to try and rebuild the squad following their relegation from the Premier League in 2012.

Team News

Boro manager Aitor Karanka is unlikely to make too many changes from the side which drew at Preston on the opening weekend. Centre back Ben Gibson is still doubtful with a hamstring injury meaning 17 year old Dael Fry could keep his place after an impressive performance at Deepdale, the alternative is Southampton loanee Jack Stephens who made his debut in the Capital One Cup against Oldham on Wednesday. Further forward playmaker Diego Fabbrini and striker Christian Stuani could make their first league starts after impressing in the cup, Stuani scored twice and could replace Kike upfront.

Bolton will be without new captain Darren Pratley for “Several week” according to the Manchester Evening News after the midfielder suffered an ankle injury in the game against Derby last weekend. Jay Spearing was sent off in that game for acquiring two yellow cards but served his one game suspension in Wanderers’ Capital One defeat to Burton on Tuesday and will be available. Liam Trotter will remain side-lined with a hamstring while Tim Ream is also unlikely to feature according to the club’s website. Meanwhile Max Clayton, Derik Osede and former Boro defender David Wheater are all recovering from long-term injuries.

Facts And Stats

Bolton’s last victory at the Riverside came in 2008 when both sides were in the Premier League, the Trotters won 3-1 as Boro were relegated that season.

Last season Boro completed the double over Bolton winning 2-1 at the Reebok in August and 1-0 at the Riverside in February.

Boro's Albert Adomah

Key Players

Boro’s Key

Albert Adomah - As the home side Boro will be expected to do most of the attacking and Bolton may opt to simply get men behind the ball and try to break forward on the counter attack. That was the case on numerous occasions at the Riverside last season and it was down to Boro’s more creative players to break the opposition down. With Lee Tomlin gone more weight could fall on the shoulders of Adomah who has pace and power on his side, he should receive help from new additions Fabbrini and Downing in Boro’s front line.

One To Watch

Bolton's Zach Clough

Zach Clough - Forward Zach Clough burst onto the Bolton scene last season scoring six goals in his first ten appearances for the Trotters before suffering a dislocated shoulder which ended his season. The 20 year old is still inexperienced at this level but looks a handful when he plays and has started both of Wanderers’ games this season. He did make an appearance at the Riverside last season when he came on as a second half substitute and looked a threat finding pockets of space outside the penalty area.

Recent Form

Boro drew 0-0 away at Preston in the league last Sunday before winning 3-1 at Oldham in the 1^st round of the Capital One Cup. Bolton were also held to a goalless draw at home to Derby in their first league game before a shock cup defeat at home to Burton when they lost 1-0.

Prediction

Middlesbrough 2 Bolton 0

After brushing away a few cobwebs away at Preston I expect Boro will be too strong for Bolton at the Riverside. The visitors have a number of injury concerns while new Boro signings Fabbrini, Stuani and Downing appear to be finding their feet.  

Five Things We Learnt From Preston v Boro

Preston    0        Middlesbrough    0    

So it wasn’t the game that we waited two and half months for, neither was it the result to justify the label of Championship promotion favourites, but at least the football season is back and there are still 45 games to get the pulses flowing again.

Boro’s goalless draw away at Preston was nothing more than a game to get new campaign under way and in the end a point a piece wasn’t a bad way to start. The hosts, who gained promotion from League 1 last season, were a solid outfit and deployed compact 3-5-2 formation which proved tricky for Aitor Karanka’s side to break down. Of the few goal-scoring opportunities the best fell Preston’s way before half time; however it will be remembered as a match where the defences dominated and a draw was probably a fair result.  

1. Dael Fry Can Step Up

Dael Fry jumps with Joe Garner

Following Ben Gibson’s hamstring injury at Barnsley during pre-season, Boro were left with a hole to fill in the heart of defence. They acted quickly by signing 21 year old defender Jack Stephens on a season-loan from Southampton and it looked like he might get the nod alongside Daniel Ayala, however it was 17 year old Dael Fry who received his debut. The young centre back built on his impressive pre-season form and barely put a foot wrong against Preston’s lively forward Joe Garner. It was evidence that Fry can provide sufficient cover at the back and has a promising future ahead of him.  

2. Tabs Kept On Downing

The signing of Stewart Downing in pre-season prompted a lot of people to sit up and take note of Boro; it was also a contributing factor why many bookmakers made them the early promotion favourites. It was therefore no surprise that Preston, in particular holding midfielder John Welsh, kept a close eye on him. Downing was deployed in the number 10 position behind the striker but was had to drop very deep to receive the ball due to Preston’s compact shape.

3. Chance But No Chance For Kike

Aitor Karanka stuck to his tried and trusted 4-2-3-1 formation from last season with Kike starting as the solo centre forward. However the Spanish striker spent the majority of the match on the periphery as he was isolated upfront. Preston cut the supply from Boro’s midfield making the visitor’s passing appear slow and pedestrian, as a consequence Kike was forced to feed off scrapes as Boro failed to register a single shot on target.

4. Fans as Good As Ever

Last season Boro’s away following was phenomenal, they packed the away end on numerous and yesterday was no different. 3,680 away fans made the trip to Deepdale and could be heard loud and clear throughout the game in front of the Sky Sports cameras. Defeat in the play-off final has only helped whet the appetite amongst the supporters, so expect plenty more big follows from Boro fans this campaign.

5.  Preston Will Be No Slouch

Many Boro fans expected this to be a tough opening fixture against a side that were still buoyant from their promotion to the Championship. Preston showed they still had the characteristics of a Championship club and will prove a match for any team, especially at Deepdale where they lost just one league game last season.  

Thorn In The Side (MOTM)

Preston's John Welsh and Boro's Stewart Downing

John Welsh- Preston’s holding midfielder did a job in front of their three man defence. It may not have been pretty but it was certainly effective as he helped keep Boro at arm’s length and left the visitors out of ideas.

Boro’s Best

George Friend- Once again Boro’s defence provided a stern backbone, as they kept their first clean sheet of the season. Daniel Ayala and Dael Fry were strong and dominant in the middle, as was right back Tomas Kalas, but George Friend has become crucial member in this Boro side and he looked as eager as anyone to push his side forward.

Preston v Middlesbrough Preview

In different circumstances Middlesbrough and Preston North End could have started this season two division’s apart, instead they meet on the opening weekend of the 2015/16 Championship season. Their paths to Sunday’s lunch time kick off both passed though the play-off finals at Wembley back in May, but whereas Preston rose to the occasion to gain promotion from League One, Boro missed out on a return to the Premier League and will have to start over again in England’s second tier.

Team News

Boro’s squad hasn’t altered a great deal from last season and they have managed to keep the nucleus of the side which almost earned them promotion last season. Their evident weakness is upfront where they no longer have the likes of Patrick Bamford or Jelle Vossen, who were there on loan last term. In their absence the burden could fall on Spanish striker Kike who has impressed during pre-season, they will also look to new signings Stewart Downing and Christian Stuani for inspiration, however Uruguayan forward has only just passed international clearance and hasn’t featured during pre-season. In defence centre back Ben Gibson is unlikely to start due to a hamstring strain so Jack Stephen, on loan from Southampton could make his debut.

While Boro’s success last season was built at the back, Preston’s came from the front. Forward Joe Garner found the back of the net 26 times last campaign, while his strike partner Jermaine Beckford scored 18 times including a hat-trick in the play-off final against Swindon. There will be even more competition for places this time around and that’s partly due to the arrival of striker Will Keane who has  arrived on a season-long loan from Manchester United and could make his competitive debut. Another potential debutant is full back Marnick Vermijl who signed on loan from Sheffield Wednesday this week; he will join a sturdy defence which conceded just 40 goals last season thanks to defenders like Paul Huntington and Peter Clarke.

Facts and Stats

Their last meeting was in the 2^nd round of the Capital One Cup last season which Boro won 3-1 at the Riverside.

Preston haven’t beaten Boro since an FA cup tie back in 1987, the sides have met seven times since.

Their last meeting at Deepdale was also in the Capital One Cup back in 2012 which Boro also won 3-1.

Preston lost just one league game at home last season which came against Bradford in November.

Middlesbrough striker Kike

Key Players 

Boro's Key

Kike – With a season of English football under his belt, more will be expected from the Spanish striker. He found the back of the net 10 times in the league last season, which included a goal in the play-off semi-final against Brentford, however he spent most of the season as a third choice striker behind Patrick Bamford and Jelle Vossen. But with those two gone and Boro yet to replace them, Kike could be faced with a more significant role at the start of this campaign.

Preston striker Joe Garner

One To Watch

Joe Garner – The Preston striker scored 26 goals in all competitions last season, 25 of which came in the league. At 27 this is his time to prove he can cut it at Championship level after struggling to impress in the division at Nottingham Forest and Watford. Following promotion to the second tier, Preston’s first aim will be to stay there. A 15-20 goal striker would go some way to achieving that and Garner will hope to be that man starting in Sunday’s opener.

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Middlesbrough pre-season results

York City 0-1 W

Doncaster Rovers 0-0 D

Barnsley 0-4 W

Getafe 1-0 W

Preston’s pre-season results

Chorley FC 0 - 0 D            

Bamber Bridge FC 0 - 4   W           

Hearts   1 -0 W  

Southport FC 0-4 W

Motherwell 1-2 W

Carlisle United 4-3 L

Ashington AFC 0-1 W

Bury FC 3-2 L

Prediction  

Preston North End 1 Middlesbrough 1

As a Boro fan I fancy our chances this season and expect us to compete at the top once again; however I see this as a potential tricky opener away from home. Both sides were good at the back last season so I can’t see it being a goal fest. Most of Boro’s success in the last campaign came at home so I think this one could end in a draw.  

Boro Accept Bid For Tomlin

Middlesbrough have accepted a bid from Premier League newcomers Bournemouth for 26 year old playmaker Lee Tomlin.

According to Sky Sports to two clubs have agreed a fee of around £3 million which could raise £3.5 million with “add on clauses”

Tomlin made 28 appearances for Boro last season scoring 10 goals, but after he started the season playing in his preferred number 10 position he was moved out on the left wing to compensate for the likes of Patrick Bamford and Jelle Vossen.  

Lee Tomlin in action for Boro last season

  

There may have been similar fears from the player this time around, as Tomlin would have faced competition from new signings Stewart Downing and Diego Fabbrini along with Mustapha Carayol who was side lined through injury last campaign.

The news hasn’t come out of the blue; Tomlin was pictured leaving the Riverside early after being named on the substitute’s bench in Boro’s pre-season friendly with Getafe. The Daily Mirror also reported that Tomlin had been training on his own in an attempt to force a move to a Premier League club.

Tomlin signed for Boro from Peterborough for £1.5 million in the 2014 January transfer window, he went on to play 14 games in the remainder of the 13/14 season scoring 4 goals.

Last campaign Boro fans were treated to more of Tomlin’s undoubted talents, which included a couple of cracking long range goals to dig Boro out sticky situations. He also performed admirably in front of the cameras against Manchester City in the FA Cup, however at times his performances where erratic and unpredictable. On occasions he gave the ball away too cheaply and went missing in games hence why he was moved out of his best position.

Tomlin should join former Leeds winger Max Gradel on the South Coast after the Ivorian joined Bournemouth from St Etienne yesterday morning.

Stephens Makes Boro Switch

Middlesbrough have acted swiftly in the transfer market to sign defender Jack Stephens on a season-long loan deal from Southampton.

Stephens playing for Swindon in League One last season

The 21 year old has made just one appearance for the Saints which came in an FA Cup tie against Coventry back in 2012, but has signed a two year contract extension with South coast club before agreeing terms with Boro.

Stephens spent last season on loan at league one side Swindon Town where he played 42 games including the play-off final defeat to Preston back in May.

The news abruptly broke around Friday tea time, just a couple of days after Boro defender Ben Gibson limped off the pitch with a hamstring strain during a pre-season friendly away at Barnsley. Although the injury isn’t a major one, Gibson is unlikely to start Boro’s opening game against Preston this weekend according to Middlesbrough’s Evening Gazette.  

The signing of Stephens should provide cover for manager Aitor Karanka who, after losing Gibson, only had Daniel Ayala and Jonathan Woodgate available as established centre backs.

That could allow Stephens to make his Boro debut at Deepdale in six days’ time. Earlier in his career the defender learnt his traits as a right back but has since become more familiar in the centre half position.

"It's now important for me to play more games and improve as a player," he told Southampton's website.

"There's going to be a bit of pressure with Middlesbrough expected to get promoted, but that can only be a good thing for me."

Boro have also allowed goalkeeper Connor Ripley to join Scottish side Motherwell on loan until January, with the 22 year old hoping to play more regular first team football.  

Boro Sign Fabbrini On Loan

Middlesbrough have acquired the services of Watford midfielder Diego Fabbrini on a season long loan as the Teessiders continue to bolster their emergent squad.

Fabbrini had loan spells at Millwall and Birmingham last season 

The 24 year old Italian has made just 23 appearances for Watford since he joined the London club from Udinese in 2012; however Fabbrini has since gained Championship experience on loan at Millwall and Birmingham last season.

At 5 ft 11 in tall, Fabbrini is a versatile player who can play in centre midfield or on the wing. He can also play in the number 10 position behind the striker but will face competition from fellow new signings Stewart Downing and Lee Tomlin.

Speaking to Middlesbrough’s Evening Gazette Fabbrini said “I decided to come here this season because Middlesbrough is a big club with a good history and I think this year we can do very well,”

“I think the gaffer is a good man and a good coach. I’ve come here because it’s a big club, I like playing with good team-mates and because of the gaffer”

The Italian was present and trained with his new team-mates during Boro’s pre-season friendly last Saturday, which finished goalless. Fabbrini was joined by Uruguayan striker Christian Stuani who is set to sign on a permanent deal from Espanyol in the next couple of days as he waits for international clearance.

Boro's Ambition Persuaded Downing

If nothing else Stewart Downing’s transfer to Middlesbrough a few weeks ago was a statement of intent, proof that Boro chairman and fan Steve Gibson is prepared to pull out all the stops in an attempt to return to England’s top division.  

Stewart Downing back in red and white at Middlesbrough

To the 35,000 fans it is more than that; it’s the return of a past hero, a home-grown product and ultimately a Premier League star which has helped rejuvenate fans after last season’s play-off defeat.

Downing’s move from West Ham for a reported £5.5 million certainly raised a couple of eyebrows in the nation’s capital, not least because new Hammers manager Slavan Bilic expressed that he wanted the English winger to stay at the London club where he performed admirably last season.

Downing also admitted other Premier League clubs, including Boro’s local neighbours Sunderland, were interested in his signature. However the 31 year old who has made 35 appearances for England and was included in Roy Hodgson’s squad at the start of last season said it was the potential promotion challenge which persuaded him to drop down a division

“This is a Premier League club,” Downing told BBC Look North.” If this was a team fighting relegation or mid-table, it wouldn’t be good for me to come back.”

“The manager (Aitor Karanka) said if he can keep most of the squad together and add the players he wants to get in then we’ll get in for automatic promotion”

After coming through the Middlesbrough youth academy Downing made his debut for his hometown club in April 2002 away at Ipswich. He went on to become a first team regular and was part of the side which reached the Uefa Cup final in 2006.

When Middlesbrough were relegated in 2009 he joined Aston Villa for a fee of around £10 million to maintain a career in the Premier League, he then moved on to Liverpool in 2011 before joining West Ham to play more regular football in 2013.

The deal could be the start of a big spending spree for the North East club, who are rapidly demonstrating their financial muscle in England’s second tier. Downing’s services primarily cost Boro a hefty £5.5 million which could rise to £7 million if they are promoted to the Premier League.

As a boyhood Boro supporter Gibson is as keen as anybody to return to the riches of the Premier League, and is prepared to provide his manager with the required commercial ammo.  

There have been several reports including one from “Sky Sports” that the Teessiders have bid a whopping £12 million for Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes and are very close to completing deals for Uruguayan forward Christian Stuani from Espanyol and midfielder Diego Fabbrini from Watford.