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.