While Middlesbrough’s senior team will take their first away trip of the campaign this weekend, their Under-21 side are set to kick off their new season.
The youngsters are set to travel to Birmingham to face Aston Villa U21s at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground this evening.
Youth coah Mark Tinkler has spoken of his excitement for the season ahead.
Speaking to the club, Tinkler said: “We’ve had a good pre-season and we’re all good to go.
“Some of the lads have been with the first team and that has meant more game time for others in some of our pre-season games, but the big thing is that everyone has had minutes.
“It’s been a good experience for those lads that went to Portugal with the first team to work with Chris and the players.”
Here is the latest from today’s Championship news...
5. Burnley ace set for West Ham medical
West Ham have reportedly agreed a £17.5m deal to sign Burnley's Maxwel Cornet, with the Ivorian set for a medical with the London club today. The Irons are set to beat Newcastle United in the race for his signature. (90min) | Getty Images
6. Premier League club in advanced talks with Tigers target
Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly preparing to snap up Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala from under Hull City's nose. The Tigers took the 19-year-old on trial and were eager to bring him in permanently. (L'Equipe) | Getty Images
7. Hatters new boy set for League Two loan
Luton Town announced the signing of Aribim Pepple from Cavalry FC earlier this week and the forward is now expected to join Grimsby Town on loan. The move comes shortly after the Hatters snapped up Grimsby's star striker, John McAtee. (Football Insider) | Getty Images
8. Black Cats target set to join Leeds United
Sunderland are reportedly set to miss out on free agent goalkeeper Joel Robles, with the 32-year-old nearing a move to Leeds United. Norwich City had also been interested in signing the former Everton shotstopper. (Yorkshire Evening Post) | Getty Images