4-2-3-1, McGree in: The predicted Middlesbrough XI to face Blackburn Rovers | OneFootball

Middlesbrough will be looking to continue their push towards the play-off places as they take on fellow promotion contenders Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Thursday night.

Boro come into the game off the back of an emphatic 4-1 win over struggling Wigan Athletic at the Riverside Stadium on Boxing Day. It continues their impressive form under Michael Carrick, with the fifth win from his eight games in charge moving his side up to 11th in the Championship table, just two points from the play-offs and they could find themselves inside the top six on Thursday night if they beat Rovers and other results go their way.

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Who did Middlesbrough face on the opening day of the 2022-23 season?

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Rovers suffered their third defeat in four games with a late 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day. Despite their inconsistencies this campaign, Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side sit third in the table, but they are eight points behind second-placed Sheffield United and 11 behind leaders Burnley.

Here is how Boro could line up for the trip to Lancashire.

Zack Steffen will retain his place between the sticks after Carrick kept faith with him following his mistakes against Burnley.

The 41-year-old has had an incredibly settled team since his arrival making very limited changes between games, with the back four of Tommy Smith, Darragh Lenihan, Dael Fry and Giles likely to remain. On-loan Wolves man Giles has now registered the most assists in the division with seven this campaign after his three against the Latics.

Jonny Howson could be an injury doubt after being substituted against Wigan following a blow to the face, so Alex Mowatt will come into replace him should he be unavailable. If Howson is fit, he will once again partner Hayden Hackney in the heart of midfield.

Isaiah Jones will continue in his more advanced role on the right, with Akpom maintaining his spot in the number 10 position where he has thrived under Carrick. The 27-year-old is the league’s joint-top scorer along with Coventry City’s Viktor Gyokeres with 12 goals.

Duncan Watmore started on the left against Wigan and put in an excellent performance as Riley McGree was rested,  but the Australian is likely to return here, with Carrick perhaps keen to manage Watmore’s minutes over the busy festive period after his recent comeback from injury.

Forss has established himself up front in recent weeks and he was rewarded for another hard-working display with a goal against the Latics. Rodrigo Muniz was left out of the squad altogether and although he could be back involved, Forss will start again.