Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion will hope to begin improved seasons in the Championship when they meet at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday evening.

Despite optimistic pre-season predictions, both clubs finished outside of the playoffs in 2021-22, but expectations remain high at Boro and the Baggies respectively.

Match preview

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Although Chris Wilder's opening six months in charge of Middlesbrough should be regarded as positive, there was naturally disappointment when his side ran out of steam during the run-in to miss out on the playoffs.

However, there is scope for that setback being a blessing in disguise, Wilder now having the licence to put together his own squad with this season and beyond in mind.

While supporters will have concerns about the proposed sale of Marcus Tavernier to Bournemouth, the funds from that sale and Djed Spence's transfer to Tottenham Hotspur provide Wilder with the ammunition to put together a more balanced group.

Darragh Lenihan could emerge as a key addition in defence, as could Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers loanees Zack Steffen and Ryan Giles between the sticks and on the left flank respectively.

Boro won four of their five pre-season fixtures, including a win over Marseille, with their only defeat coming at the hands of Braga by a 3-0 scoreline.

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Such was their fall from grace last season that West Brom are not really being spoken of as genuine contenders for the Championship title this season.

Nevertheless, Steve Bruce may prefer it that way, aware that the additions of John Swift and Jed Wallace should help keep the Baggies in contention for promotion.

Fans will still feel that it has been somewhat of an underwhelming summer, but the core of this squad remains strong with only a replacement potentially being required for outgoing goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

West Brom enjoyed a strong pre-season, winning four of their six outings and concluding their schedule with a 2-1 victory over Hertha Berlin.

Team News

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With Paddy McNair suspended after his final-day dismissal at Preston North End, Boro will hope that Dael Fry is available again after missing the final friendly against Marseille.

If the centre-back remains unavailable, Marc Bola should deputise in the back three, with Tommy Smith unlikely to start so soon after his arrival on a free transfer.

With Tavernier on his way to Bournemouth, Riley McGree could drop into a deeper position, with Josh Coburn a potential inclusion in attack.

Karlan Grant may retain his spot in the centre of West Brom's attack despite Daryl Dike netting as a substitute against Hertha Berlin.

Barring any injury issues, the team from that fixture could stay the same, with Okay Yokuslu expected to only be named on the substitutes' bench at best.

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Steffen; Dijksteel, Lenihan, Bola; Jones, Crooks, Howson, McGree, Giles; Watmore, Coburn

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:
Button; Furlong, O'Shea, Bartley, Townsend; Molumby, Mowatt; Phillips, Swift, Wallace, Grant

We say: Middlesbrough 2-1 West Bromwich Albion

Both managers will feel that they have made some smart additions this summer, providing them with the platform to challenge for promotion. Nevertheless, we feel that it will be Boro who come out on top on this occasion, potentially courtesy of a late goal.

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