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.
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| 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 1st 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.
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