Tony Mowbray is now in his second full season in charge of his hometown club and although they challenged for a play-off spot for much of last season, the expectancy levels have increased and it’s safe to assume that their target will be to secure a top six place at the very least this time around. They started the season losing to Barnsley 1-0 before getting the better of Burnley in a five goal thriller. It’s a reversal of their form from last season when they could hardly buy a result at home but were very good on their travels. Mowbray has strengthened his side over the summer including the loan signing of Josh McEachran from Chelsea. He’s very highly rated and Mowbray has been impressed with his recent addition, both against Burnley and in training.
Dougie Freedman enjoyed an excellent first full season in charge last time around with the highlight being the defeat of Manchester United on route to the semi-finals of the League Cup. It was always going to be difficult to hit those heights again this season with the loss of several key players during the summer. Two defeats from their opening two games suggest that it has been difficult to recapture last season’s form just yet. What will be of most concern for Freedman is the amount of goals they have conceded in those two games. Three at home to Watford was followed by a further four on Tuesday against Bristol City. Bearing in mind they had joint fifth best defensive record in the division last term, it’s an issue which they need to rectify should they wish to steer clear of the relegation zone as they are not the most prolific of sides.
Having finished seventh last season – the most disappointing outside of the relegation places – the determination to go one better should be the motivation ‘Boro need. They certainly have more depth to the squad this time around and the younger players such as Jason Steele and Rhys Williams have another year of experience under their belts as established and key players. Having won promotion with West Brom, Mowbray is aware of what it takes to be successful in this division and is forming a side capable of achieving that.
With the loss of Nathaniel Clyne to Southampton, Darren Ambrose to Birmingham and Sean Scannell to Huddersfield, it’s not a massive surprise that Palace have struggled at the beginning of the season. The only addition to the side has been Darren Ramage so they are a little down on both numbers and quality from last season. Freedman will be hoping to add to his side between now and August in order to ensure they are competitive.
‘Boro are many people’s tips to challenge for automatic promotion and it’s not hard to see why. Personally I think there will be a couple of teams too good for them overall but I do fancy them to have a good season and they can double their points tally for the season with a win tomorrow.
Middlesbrough 4/5 @ Ladbrokes
