'What a transformation' 'Surprised: 'Middlesbrough fans as Neil Warnock makes seven changes and recalls Patrick Roberts for FA Cup game at Brentford

Neil Warnock has made seven changes to his Middlesbrough side for today’s FA Cup match at Brentford – yet the Boro boss has named a stronger starting XI than expected.
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Boro were hit by a Covid-19 outbreak earlier in the week meaning several first-team players have been forced to self-isolate.

It means the Teessiders’ squad is made up of first-team and under-23 players, with midfielder Hayden Hackney and new goalkeeper Jordan Archer set to make their debuts.

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Defender Marc Bola will captain the side while Manchester City loanee Patrick Roberts has been recalled.

Middlesbrough fans.Middlesbrough fans.
Middlesbrough fans.

Here’s how some fans reacted to the team news on social media:

@smoggyontour86: Surprised Roberts is here still, maybe he wants to fight for his place and fair play but he needs to shine today

@PhilSpenc23: A stronger side than I thought, but great to see Nathan Wood and Hayden Hackney in from the start. Fingers crossed we get to see a few of the young lads come off the bench too!

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@LewisThompson7: Bola captain! What a transformation in 12 months!!

@tom_mcgarry17: Absolutely love the look of that bench Massive chance for a number of fringe players to prove a point also

@JackGarratt95: Miles better than expected

@boroweasel: Actually not a bad team, really glad Roberts is playing and hope he can impress Warnock with a performance. Looking forward to seeing Hackney play as well, highly rated.

@AllAboutBoro: Come on boys... do us proud in these difficult circumstances

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@masonbarker0: Warnock got in all our heads. Roberts masterclass

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