After a dramatic opening weekend, everyone is in action on a hectic Matchday two as Middlesbrough host Brentford in the biggest Championship tie of this weekend.
Both teams found themselves on the receiving end of two surprise results against Luton and Birmingham City respectively, so will be keen to hit back as Jonathan Woodgate makes his home debut as Boro manager.
Team news
Anfernee Dijksteel could be handed his Middlesbrough debut after signing in midweek from Charlton Athletic.
George Friend however is doubtful as he continues his recovery from injury whilst Dael Fry (hamstring) is still out.
Brentford look set to hand Joel Valencia his debut but Bryan Mbeumo is unlikely to feature unless his international clearance arrives in time.
Said Benrahma is sidelined again with a lingering injury whilst Dominic Thompson is unlikely to be risked, after having only signed on Thursday.
Stat Attack
- Middlesbrough’s 13 match unbeaten run in this fixture was ended here in February when Brentford won 2-1, just their second ever on Teesside (W10, D2 L1).
- The away team won both fixtures last season by a 2-1 result, which is the first time in the history of this fixture that the same score line has happened on consecutive occasions.
- Boro haven’t lost their opening home game of a new season since August 2013 when they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Leicester (W4, D1).
Prediction
Both teams might of spent differently in the transfer window but were mightily dominant last weekend, if only let down by sloppy defending.
Brentford however were the more consistent as they only lost by a single goal so I am expecting an open game here between two top teams, even if Brentford’s poor record in this fixture will be decisive as to the result.
Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-1 Brentford
Result: Middlesbrough 0-1 Brentford