Three key questions ahead of Middlesbrough's meeting with Newcastle United as Neil Warnock's men prepare for 2020/21 campaign

Here are three important things to look out for ahead of the match.

Will Warnock stick with 3-5-2?

Boro once again played with wing-backs against Plymouth last week, a formation which does appear to suit the players at Warnock’s disposal.

It may sound slightly contradictory to play with an extra centre-back when the Teessiders are short of options in that position, yet the system does provide more security at the back.

Anfernee Dijksteel can play as a right-sided centre-back, while Paddy McNair can also drop into the backline when required.

McNair won’t be available for the Newcastle game, or for Boro’s Carabao Cup tie against Shewsbury due to international commitments, yet Dael Fry may be able to return after missing last week’s trip to Cornwell.

Warnock needs the 23-year-old defender back quickly due to a lack of options.

How many youngsters will get a chance?

With Boro set to host Shrewsbury in just three days’ time it’s still unclear just how strong today’s starting XI will be.

As is usually the case with friendlies, there will inevitably be changes during the match as both managers assess their squads.

It will therefore be interesting to see how many of the club’s younger players receive a chance to impress and put their cases forward to start against Shrewsbury.

Nathan Wood, Sam Stubbs and winger Sam Folarin were all part of the squad which travelled to Cornwall last week and could feature for the first team this season.

Will Warnock stick with two strikers?

If Boro play with two up front there isn’t really much choice, with Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher the only senior options.

Yet it is possible Warnock may change his system to try and shore things up in midfield and give the side more security.

Fletcher and Assombalonga showed signs of forming an effective partnership last season, yet it didn’t always click.

Boro will need the pair to be at their best this term.

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