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.