Thanks and congratulations, Bob, on another excellent and topical starter.  We are really lucky to have both you and Andy putting in so much time and effort in producing such relevant and interesting material on a regular basis.  It obliges the rest of us to live up to those standards and do the best we can as regularly as we can.

Apologies to Andy for my neglect in not acknowledging how splendid his Hull opener was. I did register a like, but it deserved  much more than that.

@lenmasterman 

Many thanks for your acknowledgment Len. Your erudite writing and this of our other bloggers make Andy and I perform !

OFB

Another Opus From Bob. 

Looking at the form table, Bristol City are 23rd over the last 6 games. They had a good spell for a while but are currently struggling for results. Their away form is roughly the same as ours so you have to figure this is a decent first opponent for Carrick's Boro.

It'll be interesting to see who makes the team. It looks like Carrick is keen to develop some continuity so I think there's a fair chance we see the same starting 11. If we do, then it'll be worth keeping an eye on Giles and whether Bola is back on the bench. At the weekend we had no one on the bench who could play left back which seems an odd oversight. Crooks getting a run out implies that he still hasn't had his hernia operation. Makes me wonder if there is a delay in finding a private consultant due to his epilepsy. I also wonder if we'll see Watmore back. I would personally like to see Forss get a run in the team. I think Watmore offers more at the moment but if Forss can get a run of games it feels like he could build a good partnership with Akpom and would be more clinical in front of goal.

Speaking of Akpom, he must be shattered. He does seem to have a really good engine on him but I would like to see Hoppe get 30 minutes in that withdrawn striker role. He has supposedly played it in the past and he seems to have the right skills for it. 

Overall, things are looking a bit brighter. We are still tentatively rebuilding confidence after the psycho-drama of the Wilder era so it feels like anything could happen. Feels a bit like a high-scoring draw to me.

As I was still unable to watch Boro on Sky Sports via the red button I decided to watch the chosen match of Bristol City v Sheffield United and I concur with much of what ODB wrote. The Blades were not only lucky to win, but poor as well. Bristol were by far the better side and a 3-0 win would certainly not have flattered them.  They are the third highest scorers in the Championship but that’s not saying much for the rest of the teams in the Championship, yet only Hull City have conceded more goals and 18 of the goals conceded have come away from home yet they have scored as many away goals as home goals although like Boro have only won twice and drawn once on their travels so am expecting a 2-2 draw on Saturday but am expecting wins from England’s  T20 cricket team and their World Cup Rugby League teams also.

By the way thanks to all the reports on the Boro victory on Humberside and to Len especially for his posts regarding Clairville  Stadium as I used to pass it when I had a car on my way to Ayrsome Park looking for a parking space.

Superb, Bob. Many thanks for that comprehensive preview.

I’m interested to know what the situation is with Bola as it was a surprise to see him left out of the squad entirely on Tuesday. I’d expect him to be our first choice left back in a back 4 but that hasn’t been the case under Leo or Carrick so far. I wonder if he’s struggling with a knock.

As posted on the previous thread, I’d like to see Forss play wide left and cut in, running beyond Akpom in a 4-3-3. With Hackney and McGree in central midfield ahead of Howson, I feel like we’d have an engine that can look after the ball, knowing we can shore things up with the more robust Crooks, Mowatt or McNair later in the game if we have a lead.

I don’t like Giles at left back. His crossing can be superb but he doesn’t have a strong enough all-around game (yet) in my view and we look vulnerable down that side. Bristol City can score goals and we don’t want to give them an obvious weakness to target.

It’s very hard to predict games at the moment. Boro have put a couple of poor sides away of late but don’t look convincing when pressured. Bristol City seem to be exactly the same so perhaps whoever gets the first goal will grow whilst the other shrinks.

Fingers crossed we start well and can then exploit their weakness of defending the counter attack.

Thanks again, OFB.

Excellent opening piece OFB with plenty of crackling puns and a fountain of useful insight into Bristol's current form. 

I expect there will be a bumper crowd on Saturday to welcome our new coaching team and excited at the prospect of Boro scoring goals. I think I side with Delerad's assessment. Green shoots for sure. Still a long established to go, but Bristol followed by Blackpool gives us a great opportunity to cement some self confidence into the team. It would be nice to think we could score 3 or 4 times again, but perhaps this one will be a close fought affair. All the same I will predict another 3 points for Boro though only by a single goal margin. Clean sheet would be the icing on the cake, so 1-0 to Boro it shall be.

Probably one of your best and most detailed Headliners yet OFB, great work alternating between Andy and yourself.

I don’t believe any of us could predict Saturdays score as Boro are still unpredictable and Bristol can score goals, so not nil all then?

As I and others have said, what does one do with Giles, especially if trying to keep it tight at the back. I would not be surprised to see the same team strat assuming to knocks or injuries. Smith to continue as he is probably the best defensive RB. Giles possibly for his final third play.

In reality there is not a lot MC can do with the small squad he has at the moment, apart from small tweaks the team is more or less picking itself.

OFB, have you anything about Clarke and his nerve injury?.

@pedro 

Matt Clarke is expected to miss Middlesbrough's next three games as he recovers from a nerve issue in his back.

OFB

@original-fat-bob I have had a nerve problem, too. All season so far. But in my brains. Nervous about our defending in set pieces!

Thanks for the opener. I think I could be 2-2 draw as both team are open minded, attacking but nervous in defending.  Up the Boro! 

Thanks for all those cracking comments it’s appreciated.

I just hope the Boro trajectory is still on an upward course and doesn’t fizzle out.

A poor game and 💥we’re all feeling like duds! 

I’m sure that Andy will agree with me that when the Boro are winning it’s a lot easier to write the opening post!

OFB

A tweet from untypical Boro

I met the new #Boro boss today btw. Carrick & Woody did a royal visit to meet & greet everyone who works at the stadium & popped into my office. Seems a nice bloke. Chatted about my back story, Boro DNA, Hull game, new book & Mido. Big hugs with Wood: "Now Anth!" #BoroNod

OFB

Trying to second guess the team selection for Saturday and I’ve been looking at the stats and reports for Hayden Hackney. This young player has been superb and a real eye opener since being brought into the first team by Leo.

Following on from that initial selection and inclusion in the Boro teamby Leo, he has been subsequently used by Michael Carrick too, managing to force his way past others in the midfield pecking order.

It’s also interesting when you examine H2 statistics from the other night and it comes as no real surprise that he’s now become a regular starter. H2 had 89% passing accuracy playing a big part in enabling Boro to retain possession against Hull.

Considering we didn’t have the majority of the ball at the MKM Stadium and had to make the most of it when we did have it, H2 was taking care with his passing. His contributions therefore helped Boro to maximise their performance levels and win the game.

But that’s not the whole part of the picture as it’s his defensive contributions that were most important the other night, winning 60% of his total duels. He also won 75% of his defensive duels, refusing to be overrun in a two-man midfield and standing up to the challenge despite only being 20 years old.

He also made seven interceptions and was crucial in winning possession and shifting momentum, acting as a thorn in the Tigers’ side throughout the evening as he disrupted their flow.

As I mentioned in my preview, he must however learn to control his discipline and make sure he doesn’t receive any early cards from the referee.

It therefore begs the question why he was overlooked by Wilder? He instead opted for the signing of Mowatt and Luongo another example of him  trying to push more experienced players into the team at the expense of our Academy youngsters!

Remember that old maxim In football?

“If you’re good enough, you’re old enough!”

OFB

Many thanks OFB for a sparkling opener, it is a really cracking good read, both informative and amusing.  I liked your "There are also some players who seem to think that they are better than they actually are! (for Fawkes sake!!)."

I hope, as others have said, that we are seeing some green shoots and not another false dawn.  I am also inclined to go for a 2-2 as Bristol are free scoring and we have still to learn how to shut up shop albeit is is looking better at the back.  If only we could sort out the LB position as Giles is a weak link when played there.

I suspect that, injuries apart, it may be same starting eleven again as MC praised Forss's contribution on Wednesday and I will have to bow to his superior knowledge.

Finally I shall sign off with a few words courtesy of James Blunt which I think sums things up:

"People like us, we don't
Need that much just someone that starts
Starts the spark in our bonfire hearts"

CoB 😎

Thanks again, Bob for your very punny starter.

I think HH is a good prospect and worth his place in midfield. In view of his youth and inexperience the chances are that he will improve considerably with a regular starting place in the team.  You can't expect a young player to get better by NOT playing! I agree it would be a good idea to try to get him to avoid the early yellow cards but I guess it's difficult to tread that line between being a midfielder with a bit of bite in the tackle (which we want) and one who regularly crosses the line and therefore finds himself building up the bookings and therefore accumulates suspensions throughout the season (a la Crooks).

I think Giles is a decent winger.  I don't think he's a decent full back. His presence in that latter position will inevitably lead to failures to track back when we lose possession on those occasions when he has gone forward, will lead to opposition players going unmarked in dangerous defensive positions, and will therefore lead to goals being conceded.

I was able to see the Tanner tackle which resulted in his receiving a red card. If there were grades of red cards that one would be deepest blood red and reminded me of Keane v Haaland all those years ago, with the victim sent cartwheeling into the air after impact. I'm glad he won't be there against the Boro on Saturday.

I am pleased with Akpom's form.  He must have felt more than unloved by the previous management/coaching team but if he continues as he has been doing in recent games, that will be a big plus for the team.  Hopefully goals, too, as we need those!

Again, no prediction from me.  It may be that Boro will perform better without the pressure _ "I see FD has predicted a Boro win with a few goals scored. I hate it when he does that.  I get so nervous knowing he's out there watching me fail to come up to the mark - it's like I've got 2 left feet, and I'm not good with the left...".

Posted by: @original-fat-bob

Trying to second guess the team selection for Saturday and I’ve been looking at the stats and reports for Hayden Hackney. This young player has been superb and a real eye opener since being brought into the first team by Leo.

...

It therefore begs the question why he was overlooked by Wilder? He instead opted for the signing of Mowatt and Luongo another example of him  trying to push more experienced players into the team at the expense of our Academy youngsters!

 

Remember that old maxim In football?

 

“If you’re good enough, you’re old enough!”

 

OFB

Good and informative post Bob and I think that old maxim is one we have collectively espoused in this forum over the years.

Let them develop in your team rather than on loan with someone else and better than developing someone else's protégé on loan....

I know there are some people who are unhappy that we retain the services of young HH, but he was found guilty and served his sentence, so that episode is history. What matters is did he learn from that and would no longer perform such a distasteful act and we have to presume without evidence to the contrary that he did. Let us hope he continues in his current vein of form and continues to develop/improve as a professional footballer.

Thanks OFB for another excellent opener, yourself and Andy deserve all the plaudits for excellent work, I am especially pleased that you repeated HH’s stats, as I only read them this morning on NewsNow and others may have missed them otherwise.

 I personally have not given up on Forss and Hoppe yet, I was pleased with Forss contribution on Tuesday, I think he is improving with match time. Hoppe is young and (as he was bought for) has time to develop for the future, again he needs match time but I don’t think he is ready for the championship. I think more U23 games and maybe the rest of the season out on loan, could be beneficial for him, as long as he gets to play matches.

Bristol City will be no pushover on Saturday, as previous reports (as well as Shef Utd) suggest that they are better than their current position, let’s hope they don’t sort out their defensive frailties on Saturday.

Come on BORO.

@ken 

Regarding your problems with the red button. If you click onto the match which is being shown live, just as though you were about to settle down and watch it, then click the red button, you will be given your choice of match to watch. Hope this helps.  

@original-fat-bob 

We will not mention the two loan outs in successive close seasons, as it still hurts. 

Just to add my thanks to all those above, Bob. Yet again, a superb opening piece. It made me laugh, too! UTB. 

OFB,

Thanks for the headliner, great stuff. I have a sneaking feeling that the team's attitude change will be even more evident against Bristol City. I am delighted that mr Carrick has played Hackney so we have hope that no more journeymen will be signed.

The young man loaned to Bristol Rovers to 'learn his trade' is another example of Wilder's eye for young talent. Sorry that's a bit harsh but it does seem symptomatic of an attitude amongst some managers. Will he be back in January?

Anyway no prediction from me but I am positive about the game, that's as far as I'll go before I prepare my position behind the couch.

UTB,

John

PS Good to see that Coburn is not playing for Rovers in the Cup, just in case Boro do a recall...

Many thanks OFB for lighting the blue-touch paper and igniting the debate with a impressive whizz-bang display of a preview! I'll be looking forward to hopefully seeing Boro gain their first back-to-back victories of the season to relaunch our campaign that was in danger of fizzling out before it got off the ground.

I'm sure Big Nige will be keen to spoil the party but he's definitely a guy who could self-combust with the slightest spark so hopefully Michael Carrick is keeping a safe distance in his technical area.

I suspect the key man for Boro will be Chuba Akpom, who is looking quite a flare player since his return and if we're lucky Watmore will also be fit to play too. I don't expect too many changes but surely if Bola is fit then he should play left-back rather than Giles, who looks like he's never played much as a defender.

Still, tomorrow is all about the three points in Boro's last home game until two weeks before Christmas - especially with it being so tight at the bottom with just three points separating nine clubs!

Nice to see HH has been called up to the Scotland under 21 football team. Although he is from Redcar. His mother was born in Edinburgh.

Thanks for the intro OFB. The win on Tuesday already means Boro have one more point than I was afraid we would only manage from the 5 games before the break but we definitely need to win against Bristol City and any more points from Blackpool and Norwich will be very welcome to actually start to open a gap from the bottom three.

Not happy to read that Bristol City are strong attacking down the wings and even less that their style of play involves attacking down the right and frequently attempting crosses as these expose our defensive weaknesses (though so do fast attacks down the middle!). I agree that Bola at right back should strengthen us defensively but moving Giles upfield would presumably be at the cost of McGree and he covers more ground in midfield than Giles would as a winger. For a home game I would therefore start with the same team as against Hull, unless Watmore is fit. I would like to see more of Hoppe to check if he is the one to add to our goal threat. It's Radio Tees commentary again for me on Saturday so it will be more tense than watching either at the Riverside or on my computer.

I hope I will wake up on Sunday morning as cheerful as I felt on Wednesday. I wasn't expecting the Hull match to be live streamed as it was a scheduled Sky match but I really enjoyed seeing us win. I think the Blackpool match next Tuesday was previously postponed and re-arranged and hope that will be live streamed.  

I don't think many of us know much about the teams in the World Cup and was wondering if Andy and yourself have decided to temporarily change Diasboro into Diasworldcup and will be previewing all the matches? (Was that a SCREAM I heard?)

Boro’s record at home to Bristol City this century can only be described as dismal with only two wins and two draws from the ten encounters. In fact no other team has recorded as many as the six wins that the Robins have achieved at the Riverside, nor have Bristol recorded as many as those six wins against any other of their opponents than they have against the Boro. If one believes in bogey teams then Boro have no chance of winning tomorrow.

HOWEVER Boro’s away record against Hull City was almost as dismal, yet Boro overcame that hoodoo last week so why not do the same against Bristol City?  Well not quite in my estimation I’ll still be satisfied with a share of the spoils.

Nevertheless I’ll be watching England hopefully beating Papua New Guinea in the Rugby League World Cup Quarterfinal, after watching our cricket T20 NATURALLY beating Sri Lanka in Sydney beforehand as long as it didn’t rain with  no result.

@david-in-cumbria 

Previews on the World Cup games?  To put it into Boro language …yerjokinarnyer!

OFB

https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-michael-carrick-eyes-man-united-deal-as-middlesbrough-begin-transfer-planning/

OFB

@original-fat-bob I really hope not. If we did sign him or an equivalent on loan I would conclude that we haven't learned any lessons. Here's why.

You bring in someone on loan to immediately improve your 1st team or, sometimes, to fill a gap with the intention that the loanee will have to fight for game time. 

A talented 19 year old who has never played any  senior football, yet alone in the Championship will, in the best case, take a good 3 months to adapt. In the meantime, he has weakened our 1st team not strengthened it. See Balogun last season.

Obviously, loans, like transfers are not an exact science but it seems pretty clear that there are three kinds of loans that can strengthen a Championship first team.

Experienced players from a higher league (or equivalent) who have fallen out of favour or can't make the 1st team. These go straight into the first team and are often loan-to-buy. Successful examples are the likes of Steffen, Gaston, Given. They won't always work. Mowatt ought to have been a no-brainer but is really struggling. We have also struggled to recruit good examples from overseas recently: Sporar, JLS for example. A classic example of a successful loan like this is Forest's loan of Spence last season.

Players who have already had one successful loan under their belt at Championship or League one level. Bamford is the poster boy for this. Of the current crop, Giles is a classic example. For Stade de Reims, Balogun is a perfect example of this. 

A third kind of loan that can theoretically sometimes work is a young player from a higher league who has made a debut but can't hold down a place in the team. Players like Muniz, Connolly and so on. This seems to be a real lottery as I can't really think of a success along this line in recent years.

Another way to think of it is to consider Hayden Hackney. We're all happy with him. He's done well after promotion from the U21s after an indifferent loan last season. Now, if we were loaning him from Southampton or had paid £5m for him as a hot-shot South American we would be split at best. We would be wondering if he's really an better than what we already have. As it is, we are developing an "asset" with the potential for improving our team or being sold for a decent fee.

Hopefully, the links are just lazy journalism: Carrick's from Man Utd, Man Utd are looking to loan various players so 1+2=4. Frankly, someone like Joe Gibson will improve our 1st team more after January than an untried 19 year old from Man Utd.

@original-fat-bob 

This information is very welcome, as it indicates his ambition and willingness to enforce his own ideas of progress towards a team that could be imagined playing In the Prem. It indicates that he is a Coach, first and foremost. What's relief! 

Great post, Bob.

Iqbal will certainly be a crowd pleaser if we can get him. Great balance, low centre of gravity, two-footed, the only proviso being that in his compilation video  he has only really turned it on in front of two men and a dog. I reckon he would walk straight into our first Xl however.