Fan Focus: Boro fan Phil is predicting a win for Michael Carrick's side against Sunderland!

Yesterday at 03:05 AM

We spoke to Middlesbrough fan Phil Spencer to find out what we can expect from Michael Carrick's side today.

Boro have had a mixed bag of results so far - how would you summarise your start to the season?

I don't think that results give a true reflection of how good Middlesbrough have been.

Michael Carrick's team have been dominant in many of the matches played this season but have merely lacked that cutting edge in front of goal which has proven costly.

We've also been penalised by opponents being very clinical against the run of play. Of course, it's a results-based business and so Middlesbrough can't make any excuses, but if Carrick's side continue how they've started this term, I firmly expect results to improve.

Michael Carrick has been in charge of Boro almost two years, is there a sense among fans that he is building something slowly that can be special?

There's certainly full confidence in what Michael Carrick is building at Middlesbrough.

Last season's ridiculous injury pile-up proved costly but this season, Boro are in a great position to challenge at the top.

Now in his third season, Carrick will be met with high expectations from supporters who want the club to be in the top six at least, but from what we've seen so far, Middlesbrough are firmly on track and in a good position to really kick on.

In terms of this season, what do you think is a realistic expectation for the club to the aim for?

Middlesbrough must target promotion this season.

Having finished just outside the playoffs last term in what proved to be a transitional season for the club, Michael Carrick's side are in an excellent position to mount a serious challenge after strengthening our team further this summer.

The Championship is as open as it has been in several years and for Middlesbrough – and Sunderland for that matter – it's a big opportunity to target automatic promotion.

Boro's summer recruitment was praised by various pundits - which of your new players have stood out most so far?

Aidan Morris has been a wonderful addition.

After arriving from the MLS many expected him to need time to settle and adapt to the EFL, but he's a player who looks like he's been here for years.

Young, tenacious, comfortable on the ball, hard in the tackle and with a good shot on him, Morris is the all-round package in central midfield and I think it's only a matter of time before he's in one of Europe's top leagues.

Aside from the new signings, who are Carrick's key who you think will cause Sunderland problems?

While it's been a steady start in terms of goals scored, Emmanuel Latte Lath has the ability to cause problems or anybody. The striker has electric pace and a tireless work ethic which is a nightmare for defenders and if you give him half a yard, he'll find the back of the net.

Tommy Conway is also looking like an excellent addition and with two goals already for Middlesbrough, he's someone who may well extend his tally against Sunderland.

Both Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday tried to attack Sunderland rather than sitting deep, can you see Boro going at Sunderland or playing on the break mainly?

Middlesbrough only know one way to play under Michael Carrick and that will mean trying to put Sunderland under real pressure.

Of course, Boro will need to earn the right to play, but I expect Middlesbrough to fight fire with fire which I believe means we could be in for a cracking contest.

Where are the areas you think Boro can cause Sunderland problems? Which players do you think Carrick will select to start?

I think that Middlesbrough have the ability to cause plenty of problems in the final third.

With pace, movement and plenty of options, Boro could exploit Sunderland's defence if they plan to play on the front-foot themselves. I think there will be plenty of chances for both teams and ultimately it will be decided by who can be the most clinical.

Which eleven players do you think Carrick will start?

Predicted team (4-2-3-1): Seny Dieng; Luke Ayling, George Edmundson, Matt Clarke, Neto Borges; Aidan Morris, Hayden Hackney; Ben Doak, Tommy Conway, Finn Azaz; Emmanuel Latte Lath.

Boro have only lost 1 of 4 matches against Sunderland since our return to the Championship - what is your score prediction?

I expect plenty of chances and plenty of goals, but Middlesbrough come out as 3-1 winners.