Middlesbrough make the long trip to Southampton on Friday, with their continuous injury woes threatening to disrupt their momentum.
An upturn in positive results has seen Michael Carrick‘s men pick up 10 points from a possible 12 in recent weeks, which should give them some belief as they look to complete another impressive double over one the league’s leading sides.
However, a combination of existing injuries, and fresh concerns from players away on international duty will see Middlesbrough ring the changes once again.
Middlesbrough injuries
Hayden Hackney, Alex Bangura, Dael Fry and Josh Coburn are back in training but not yet available for selection. Whilst Marcus Forss and Riley McGree have been added to the increasing list of players unavailable for the clash with Southampton.
It means that with Coburn and Forss unable to partner Emmanuel Latte Lath up front, Carrick must find another strike partner to accompany the Ivorian. That is of course assuming Middlesbrough set up in their newly acquired 3-4-1-2 formation.
The odds on Carrick going with three at the back are strong, especially given the relative success they have had with the system recently. They have also tended to revert to this against the better sides; both games vs Leicester, where it worked perfectly.
Sam Greenwood energy is crucial
That means that the likely partner for Latte Lath will be Sam Greenwood. The Leeds United loanee has had an interesting stint on Teesside so far. He hit a purple patch earlier in the season, with six goal involvements in eight games. His form even drew praise from Leeds boss Daniel Farke after witnessing his exquisite match-winning free-kick against Leicester.
Farke said:
“He’s a young player full of potential and has many really, really good skills.
“For example, in set pieces and free-kicks, he is one of the best free-kick takers I have ever worked with and I’ve worked with some good players for example like James Maddison and whatever.”
Greenwood has endured a dip in form since then, and the second half of this campaign has not yielded the same success. Nevertheless, his energy and commitment has never waned, and Boro will need all of his spirit and tenacity for the match on Good Friday.
Carrick’s side are likely to have to deal with not having the ball for large spells against Russel Martin’s outfit. Something they don’t normally have to contend with. They will have to stay switched on and every player will have to work hard off the ball.
Greenwood’s closing down and pressing from the front is going to be crucial to any success Middlesbrough enjoy. He has got a habit of allowing his energy and eagerness to over-spill, picking up yellow cards a little too frequently. He has amassed seven already this season, so he needs to be careful not to get too carried away.
Strike partnership can give Saints problems
The strategy of playing with wing-backs can really benefit Middlesbrough. As they did against Leicester, they will look to stay focused at the back, with an extra central defender when out of possession. When they do mange to win the ball, they will look to strike on the counter with wing-backs pushing high, the extra centre-back stepping out, and the forwards utilising their pace up front.
Sami Silvera is another contender for the spot alongside Latte Lath, and in fairness, he played the striker role well in the 2-1 Leicester win in February, but the tricky Aussie played for the Socceroos against Lebanon on Tuesday, and after a long journey back, surely the Middlesbrough Head Coach will go with the fresher legs of Greenwood.
The 22-year-old attacker, on loan from Leeds always gives the impression he hates not playing or being involved, so Carrick will want to tap into that eagerness and thirst for action. He has played there on several occasions this season, and not to particularly great effect. But the games he played there were as a lone striker. He will be a whole different proposition with a player like Latte Lath alongside him. They are both quick, technical players who can certainly give Southampton plenty to think about.
