Aitor Karanka has a big decision to make ahead of tonight’s Championship
fixture against fellow high-flyers Burnley.
David Nugent’s red card against Birmingham on Saturday means
Middlesbrough’s first choice striker will now serve a three match ban and miss
crucial games over the Christmas period.
In Nugent’s absence Karanka must decide whether to recall
the low on confidence Kike or move Christian Stuani into the middle from the
right, where the Uruguayan has play for most of the season.
When asked about Nugent’s dismissal Karanka expressed that
the forward “has to learn” from his mistake, though the Spaniard also
reiterated it is frustrating when teams try to waste time when they come to the
Riverside.
The Boro boss said he was pleased with his side’s first half
performance at the weekend, but believed that the terrible whether on Saturday
didn’t help the game.
Karanka is looking forward to tonight’s game against a
Burnley side who are fifth in the division.
“They are an experienced and strong team so it will be a
tough game” said the Spaniard. Even so the Clarets haven’t won in their last
five games after a recent dip in form.
Team News
After naming an unchanged side at the weekend, Karanka will
have to make alterations upfront with due to Nugent’s suspension.
That could provide opportunities for the likes of Kike, Adam
Forshaw and Diego Fabbrini. Boro have no new injury concerns after their
goalless draw with Birmingham.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche also has a fully fit side ahead
of game, though former Boro stiker Lukas Jutkiewitz and Ashley Barnes remain injured
with long-term knee injuries.
Facts and Stats
Burnley haven’t beaten Boro in the last four meetings
between the sides losing three and drawing one.
Their last meeting at the Riverside came on Boxing Day in
2013 when Boro won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Emmanuel Ledesma.
David Nugent has scored in four goals in his last five matches
against Burnley, but won’t start the game due to suspension.
Key Players
Boro’s Key
Stewart Downing
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| Boro's Stewart Downing (Picture from images.cdn.fourfourtwo.com) |
Karanka may opt to alter his regular system due to the
suspension of David Nugent. If he does he will have to make sure that he gets
the best out of Downing who has raised his game in recent weeks. Downing has
been deployed in the ‘number 10’ position behind the striker, where his direct
runs and left foot shots have caused opposition teams problems.
However at the Riverside teams have been content to place
men behind the ball and make it difficult for Boro to break them down. In those
situations it will be down to the Teessider’s more creative players, like
Downing, to produce the quality to break them down.
One To Watch
Andre Gray
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| Burnley's Andre Gray (Picture from e0.365dm.com) |
Gray is the division’s top scorer this season with 11 goals
and has been a massive boost for Burnley since his summer arrival from Brentford.
At £9 million the 24-year-old was the Clarets record signing, but quickly
formed a good relationship with fellow striker Sam Vokes.
Even so Gray hasn’t found the back of the net in his last
three matches and will be looking to rediscover some form at the Riverside. It won’t
be easy as Boro haven’t conceded at home in their last six league games.
Form
Middlesbrough
Birmingham 0-0 D
Ipswich 0-2 W
Everton 0-2 L (Capital One Cup)
Huddersfield 0-2 W
QPR 1-0 W
Burnley
QPR 0-0 D
Preston 0-2 L
Cardiff 2-2 D
Brighton 0-0 D
Wolves 0-0 D
Prediction
Middlesbrough 1
Burnley 1
An early goal could change things but this has the makings
of a tight game between two strong Championship teams. Boro haven’t conceded at
the Riverside for six games but that run has to come to an end at some point
and Burnley look like they have some good firepower upfront. For that reason I
am going for a 1-1 draw.
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