Luton open their first Championship campaign in 12 years tonight when Middlesbrough travel to Kenilworth Road. But what can the Hatters expect from Boro?
We caught up with Hartlepool Mail’s Middlesbrough reporter Joe Nicholson to get the lowdown on the Teeside club ahead of the Championship opener at Luton tonight.
How are Boro shaping up and how have they played in pre-season?
Boro’s squad isn’t the deepest which has forced Boro to give several of the club’s youngsters a chance during pre-season.
Woodgate is keen to promote players from the club’s academy but has also admitted Boro need to bring in more players before the end of the transfer window.
Performances have improved significantly during pre-season and Boro looked good in a 1-1 draw against St-Etienne on Sunday – their finishing must improve though.
Who are Boro’s key players and who will Luton need to look out for?
Britt Assombalonga was the club’s top scorer last season despite not always being first choice under Tony Pulis.
The striker appears to have a much better relationship with Woodgate and looked sharp when he netted a hat-trick against Salford in pre-season.
Goalkeeper Darren Randolph was Boro’s best player last season and is expected to be fit following a recent calf injury.
A player to look out for is left-back Hayden Coulson who could make his Championship debut after an excellent pre-season.
New signing Marcus Browne may also start after impressing against St-Etienne. The winger is quick and isn’t afraid to take players on, qualities which the side lacked last season.
What system are Boro likely to play?
Woodgate has made it clear he wants to play with a 4-3-3 set-up which allows his side to win the ball back quickly and keep it.
When the side are defending the system looks more like 4-1-4-1 as the holding midfielder, most probably Adam Clayton, drops back to protect the back four.
How are the fans feeling ahead of the season opener against Luton?
Despite finishing just a point outside the play-offs last season, there was a big disconnect between the club and the supporters.
Only four teams in the Championship scored less goals than Boro and supporters grew increasingly frustrated with Pulis’ conservative tactics.
Fans weren’t sure about Woodgate following his appointment in June but, after listening to him talk and the way he wants to play, there is some renewed optimism ahead of the new campaign.
What would mark a good season for Boro this year?
The club have gone in a new direction by appointing Woodgate who will need time to implement his ideas.
Even so, Boro still have some very experienced and proven Championship players so should be targeting a place in the play-offs.
Finally, how do you think the game will go and what’s your score prediction?
There’s still a large degree of uncertainty about how Boro will fare this season and how quickly Woodgate will be able to implement his prefered style of play.
No one is expecting an easy game at Kenilworth Road but I think Boro may just be too strong so I’ll go 2-1 to the visitors.
