Kim Hellberg is considering adjustments to his Middlesbrough lineup as he looks for the correct equilibrium before Tuesday's Championship match against Millwall at the Riverside. The Boro manager must choose between keeping faith with the group that earned a last-gasp success against Norwich or introducing new legs for the midweek challenge.
His team climbed the standings with that weekend triumph, a result that puts them close to the top. Ashley Phillips was the match-winner, nodding in during added time to clinch three important points in a frenetic contest. Sebastian Berhalter had previously netted his inaugural brace for the club, with Amario Cozier-Duberry also finding the net in a game where Boro twice recovered from deficits.
Conway's minutes managed
One player probable to miss the starting lineup against Millwall is forward Tommy Conway. Hellberg concedes Conway is not yet fit for a full match, and is not expected to be until after the upcoming international pause. The coach intends to utilize him for two hour-long periods this week as he regains match fitness, suggesting he may appear as a substitute on Tuesday. Will Lankshear is anticipated to spearhead the attack once more, with the striker eager to score after having a goal ruled out against Norwich.
Defensive decisions
At the back, Hellberg has minimal fitness issues to manage. Central defender Alfie Jones is the sole definite player unavailable. This probably points to an ongoing pairing of Adilson Malanda and the decisive scorer Phillips. Malanda was unhappy with one of Norwich's goals but otherwise performed reliably, while Phillips gains confidence with each outing. His ability in the air will be crucial versus a Millwall team recognized for their threat from dead-ball situations.
Wing-backs Callum Brittain and Neto Borges are poised to keep their spots. Brittain's superb performances, especially his work on the ball, have been consistent. Borges may face a personal duel with Millwall's Romain Esse if the away team uses a comparable formation to their last match.
Midfield mix
In central midfield, Aidan Morris is settling into the campaign. His function is vital to Middlesbrough's preferred method of dictating play. He might again be paired with Sebastian Berhalter, whose two goals against Norwich demonstrated his offensive capability from a holding role. The American's display has created a positive dilemma for Hellberg.
Riley McGree made a positive impact as a substitute last match and is contending for a starting berth, possibly instead of Myles Peart-Harris. Loan signing Amario Cozier-Duberry, who scored against Norwich, is likely to keep his position on the right flank.
Hellberg discussed the emotional release after the final whistle, and how his squad expended maximum effort to achieve the victory. That same commitment must be reproduced swiftly against a robust Millwall outfit. The manager is pondering if introducing different personnel is necessary to create the needed intensity for a second match in quick succession.
Goalkeeper Radek Vitek, who has let in several goals in recent league outings, can anticipate another active night confronting Millwall's attacks into the box. After this, they travel to play Sheffield Wednesday, a game listed on our fixtures page. Currently, attention is entirely on earning another home victory to preserve their promising start to the season.
