They say never change a winning team but Rob Edwards will be forced into at least one when Middlesbrough host Sheffield United this weekend.
Hoping to enter the first international break with a perfect record of four wins from four, Edwards’ one enforced change from last weekend's victory over Norwich City will be replacing Finn Azaz in the starting line-up after his move to Southampton was confirmed on Friday morning.
Edwards will welcome Matt Targett to his squad this weekend after he arrived on loan from Newcastle United this week, with the Boro boss to toy with whether he puts him straight in or keeps faith with Sammy Silvera. On the injury-front, Darragh Lenihan is available once again after coming through a full week of training, while Riley McGree and Alex Bangura remain out. Here’s our predicted Boro team.
GK - Sol Brynn - Boro are set to put faith in the Teessider this season and he’s so far rewarded that with three no-nonsense performances in which he’s conceded only one goal in three games.
CB - Luke Ayling - Though Lenihan is back available and enjoyed enough of pre-season to be under serious consideration, Ayling’s early-season form as a right-sided centre-back relieves the need to rush Lenihan back where they’d risk a break down after so long out.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
CB - Dael Fry - Enjoying a solid start to the season, the Teessider has also captained Boro in every game so far, despite Edwards not officially naming him captain. Despite that, it’s s strong indication of how much Edwards likes and trusts the dominant centre-back.
CB - Alfie Jones - Jones has enjoyed an excellent start to life at Boro after joining from Hull City this summer. Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles will know him well, but that shouldn’t worry Jones or Boro, with confidence no doubt high.
RWB - Callum Brittain - Brittain continues to go from strength to strength as a Boro player as he integrates into a new team and tactical expectations. He’s been a solid performer so far, which is exciting to consider that there is so much more to still come from the summer arrival from Blackburn Rovers.
CM - Hayden Hackney - Though there’s plenty of transfer speculation surrounding him, Boro’s stance on Hackney not being for sale remains strong. Hackney has enjoyed an excellent start to the season despite all the transfer talk, with no suggestions when he steps onto the pitch that he’s anything but wholly committed to the Boro cause.
CM - Aidan Morris - Also enjoying an excellent start to the season, with Boro’s midfield looking really comfortable and strong in Edwards’ preferred way of playing. Morris’ tenacity and energy makes him particularly suited to the plan, with supporters voting him man of the match in both of the last two games.
LWB - Sammy Silvera - Silvera faces fresh competition for his spot in the team from loanee Targett. However, Targett hasn’t enjoyed a full week of training and Silvera’s form doesn’t warrant being dropped. Boro can ease Targett in as a result, with Silvera’s natural instinct to attack suited to a home game where Boro will want to get on the front foot.
AM - Morgan Whittaker - While not yet at the top of his game, Whittaker continues to play an important role under Edwards. As new arrivals continue to bed in, his place will come more under threat unless he really steps up, which could be a good thing for Boro as he desperately looks to cling on to his starting spot.
AM - Sontje Hansen - Azaz’s departure gives Edwards a dilemma in terms of who he picks in attack. Delano Burgzorg quickly lost his place, while Hackney was missed when stepping further up the pitch. Hansen and Sverre Nypan are therefore the obvious options. With Hansen that little more integrated, we’re leaning towards his first start for Boro.
ST - Tommy Conway - In what will hopefully prove a big moment for him, Conway netted his first of the season last weekend at Norwich City. As Boro close in on strengthening their competition for his spot in the side, the Scottish international will no doubt be desperate to cement his status as current starter.