Middlesbrough vs Crystal Palace: Preview & Prediction

Middlesbrough welcome Crystal Palace to the Riverside on Saturday, aiming to preserve an impressive unbeaten start upon their return to the Premier League.

Aitor Karanka’s Teessiders’ remain without a defeat to their name so far, and sit sixth within the table, in what is their first season in the top-tier for seven years.

Boro have accumulated five points from the opening three league games, picking up draws at home to Stoke City and a goalless draw away at West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns prior to the international break, as well 2-1 triumph at Stadium of Light against Sunderland in a local derby.

Backed well by long-standing chairman, Steve Gibson, Spaniard Karanka was able to sign 12 players following promotion, with compatriots Alvaro Negredo and goalkeeper Victor Valdes being the two high-profile arrivals to arrive at the club, as well as Callum Chambers, who was loaned from Arsenal.

However, the current good form of the North East outfit is a stark contrast to that of Alan Pardew’s Palace side. The Eagles make the long journey up from Croydon still searching for their inaugural maximum points of the current campaign.

Scott Dann’s late header in additional time salvaged a share of the spoils at home to AFC Bournemouth before the international break, following consecutive defeats to West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur, so Palace will be looking to achieve their first three-points of 2016/17.

Despite the big money signing of Christian Benteke from Liverpool, Palace have once again struggled in front of goal this season, an issue that will need to be addressed sooner rather than later.

It is four-years since Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace last played each other at the Riverside, when both teams were in the second-tier back in August 2012.

Goals in either half from Seb Hines Merouane Zemmama put Boro two to the good, before Jermaine Easter halved the deficit from the penalty spot, in an early season game that the hosts went onto win.

Boro striker Negredo – Photo: Offside.

Team News:

George Friend, Valdes and Marten De Roon could all be in contention for returns for the visit of Crystal Palace, having missed previous weeks.

Cristhian Stuani and Gaston Ramirez will be assessed following international duty with Uruguay, however the trio of James Husband, Grant Leadbitter and Fabio da Silva are all ruled out injured.

James McArthur should be fit to play for Palace, though the game could come too soon for Yohan Cabaye, who is struggling with a groin injury.

Jonathan Benteke, brother of Christian was signed from Belgian side Zulte-Waregem, could partner his brother up-front, with Connor Wickham doubtful.

Midfielder Mathieu Flamini may potentially be included in the squad after his free-transfer.

League Positions: Middlesbrough – 6th (5pts); Crystal Palace – 17th (1pt)
Last Meeting: Crystal Palace 4-1 Middlesbrough – (Championship – February 16, 2013)
League Form: Middlesbrough – DWD; Crystal Palace – LLD
Key Men: Middlesbrough – Alvaro Negredo; Crystal Palace – Christian Benteke
Shoot Says: Middlesbrough 2-0 Crystal Palace