Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher.Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher.
Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher.

Joe Nicholson's Middlesbrough starting XI to face Birmingham City - with TWO changes from Fulham defeat

Middlesbrough will play their final match in January when they face Birmingham City at the Riverside tonight – but who will start for Jonathan Woodgate’s side?
By Joe Nicholson
Published 21st Jan 2020, 11:45 BST
Updated 21st Jan 2020, 11:58 BST

The Teessiders will be looking to bounce back following Friday’s 1-0 defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Our Boro writer Joe Nicholson has picked the starting XI he would choose to face the Blues – scroll down and flick through our picture gallery to see if you agree with his decisions:

Made some decent saves at Fulham despite the result. Faces more competition following the arrival of Dejan Stojanovic.

1. GK: Aynsley Pears

Made some decent saves at Fulham despite the result. Faces more competition following the arrival of Dejan Stojanovic. Photo: George Wood

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His role requires a lot of running. Possibly needs a rest after starting the last eight games, yet Boro's lack of options at right wing-back may mean another start for the teenager.

2. RWB: Djed Spence

His role requires a lot of running. Possibly needs a rest after starting the last eight games, yet Boro's lack of options at right wing-back may mean another start for the teenager. Photo: Justin Setterfield

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Continues to perform well on the right of a back three.

3. CB: Jonny Howson

Continues to perform well on the right of a back three. Photo: Alex Livesey

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Not his natural position but offers more quality on the ball when Boro are trying to play out from the back.

4. CB: Paddy McNair

Not his natural position but offers more quality on the ball when Boro are trying to play out from the back. Photo: Getty Images

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Related topics:MiddlesbroughJoe NicholsonBirmingham CityFulhamJonathan Woodgate