Our Middlesbrough reporter Joe Nicholson has picked what he thinks is the Teessiders’ strongest starting XI as things stand. Scroll down and flick through our gallery to see if you agree with his selections:
5. CDM: Adam Clayton
In the 4-3-3 system Woodgate wants to play, Clayton looks like the perfect fit for the holding midfield role. The 30-year-old will be given more license to dictate play from the middle of the park under the new regime. Photo: FRANK REID
6. CM: Lewis Wing
Wing showed last season that he has the ability to score goals and open up play from the middle of the park, an attribute which Boro desperately lacked for large spells last campaign. Photo: FRANK REID
7. CM: Paddy McNair
When deployed in central midfield, McNair has shown his quality at his former club Sunderland and for the Northern Ireland national team. A powerful runner, the 24-year-old has the ability to dribble with the ball and score goals from the engine room. Photo: FRANK REID 2019
8. LW: Martin Braithwaite
It remains unclear if Braithwaite will stay at the Riverside beyond the summer yet Woodgate says he wants to keep the Danish international. The forward's ability isn't in doubt but, after Braithwaite handed in a transfer request last season, there's still a question mark over his attitude. Photo: FRANK REID