Middlesbrough have enjoyed a fine start to their return to the Premier League, collecting five points from their opening three fixtures. Aitor Karanka’s men were in the mix of clubs tipped to be in a battle to remain in the division following their promotion from the Championship but, the North East outfit have been solid thus far in the top flight, even notching a victory over local rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
As a result of their strong start and savvy additions in the transfer market, the club are beginning to change opinions of their ability to remain in the Premier League.Boro are backed in the latest Bet365 betting odds at 1/6 to not be relegated from the Premier League after just one season.
Karanka’s men made crucial additions over the summer with the signing of Antonio Barragan, further improving their backline that was the best in the Championship.The Spaniard has been a reassuring presence alongside promising centre-back Ben Gibson, who could move into contention for a place in the England squad should he continue his solid form.
Boro have conceded two goals in their opening three fixtures, one of which came from a stunning free kick from Xherdan Shaqiri and the other from a keeping error from Brad Guzan, allowing Patrick van Aanholt to find the net.They shut out West Brom at The Hawthorns to earn a valuable point on the road, displaying the grit and resilience needed to grind out results in the Premier League.
Should Karanka’s men continue to show that level of play at the back throughout the season then that will be a strong foundation to build a comfortable mid-table finish.
Scoring goals was more of an issue for the North East outfit in their drive towards the top flight last term, which forced their hand into securing the signature of Jordan Rhodes.The Scot scored six goals in the final four months of the season to aid his side’s promotion surge, but along with David Nugent has been pushed aside by the signing of Alvaro Negredo.
The former Manchester City man had a dream start to his Middlesbrough career by scoring his side’s first goal of the season as he converted from close range against Stoke City, immediately easing the pressure following his move from Valencia.
Negredo linked up well with Cristhian Stuani in Boro’s win over Sunderland, allowing the Uruguayan to notch a match-winning brace. The club’s hopes will rest on the Spaniard to continue his form, while receiving support from Stuani and recently-signed Adama Traore. Should he be able to rediscover the touch he displayed in his first campaign with Man City then Karanka’s men will be home and dry well before the crunch time of the season.
Middlesbrough have shown promise in the first month, but will have to be wary of following in the footsteps of other promoted sides who have started brightly then faded, such as Norwich City. However, Karanka has plenty of Premier League experience in his team which should ensure that the North East outfit avoid the fate of their predecessors.
