2016-17 fan predictions: Middlesbrough

What are your feelings ahead of the new season?

This season has been a long time in the making for the Boro, so we’ve got to try to stick there. Steve Gibson has been superb in backing the club during the Championship years, and it’s nice to see his support being backed up on the pitch with a team that the town can be proud of once again. We look to be well-equipped in all areas too, and I think the fact that we have some Premier League experience in the ranks should help us to compete across the season. We’ve had a taste of the top flight with some cracking ties against the big boys in the cup, so we know that we can come away from the Etihad and Old Trafford with something to show. Of course, the big spending has signalled some pundits to back us for the top 10, but I think this is still more of a building job, and as long as we can stay out of the relegation dogfight, then I think that would send the majority of Boro fans home happy come the end of the season.

Are you satisfied with your club’s transfer business this summer?

There’s little that we can grumble about on the transfer front this summer, in fact we are over the moon. Being linked with players like Robin van Persie and Neven Subotic is always going to get the supporters excited, but for us to actually get some of those names over the line is great credit to the club, most notably Steve Gibson for digging deep into his pockets once again. After spending the majority of last season with just one first-team goalkeeper, we now have a battle for the starting spot. Victor Valdes is someone we thought we would never see wear the Middlesbrough shirt, after enjoying so much success in Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona team, while Brad Guzan brings a wealth of top-flight experience between the sticks. Alvaro Negredo adds a bit of class up front too, although it could be best to judge him at the end of the season, as he didn’t exactly set the world alight in front of goal during his recent stint at Valencia. There’s also some slightly unknowns, despite being highly-rated, in Antonio Barragan from Valencia, Bernardo Espinosa from Sporting Gijon, and Marten de Roon from Atalanta – all will be hoping to make their mark in the Premier League.

How is your team likely to line up?

Karanka has had plenty of success with the 4-2-3-1 formation so far in England, so I’d be surprised to see him start a match with anything but that in the Premier League, although the players at his disposal make the 4-3-3 a real possibility this season. Valdes will probably be his number one, with a back line of Barragan, Ayala, Gibson and Friend, with the last three of those being key parts of the promotion campaign last season. De Roon, Adam Clayton and Grant Leadbitter are likely to fight it out for the two holding roles in midfield, with Adomah, Ramirez and Fischer the most likely to attack. I think he’ll keep the faith with Rhodes up top despite the temptations to go with Negredo.

Have you got the right man in charge?

It’s been so far, so good for Aitor Karanka. Success on and off the field means he has become a fan favourite on Teesside, plus the fact that he has managed to attract the likes of Negredo, Valdes, Rhodes and Downing to the club means he’ll be forever remembered with the good times. So from that perspective he’s the right man for the job. However, his walkout last season would suggest that he isn’t always the easiest to work with or play for, so there’s always that worry at the back of your mind that everything could come quickly tumbling down if life doesn’t go nice and smooth this season. Rumours were of a fallout with some big-name players, but with more of them in the ranks this season, hopefully both parties can take lessons from last season’s antics. A repeat of that would be an absolute disaster for the club. But we mustn’t forget that Boro went on an unbelievable run after his return, so the former Real Madrid man must be doing something right at the Riverside.

What do you expect from Liverpool this season?

I was actually expecting Liverpool to make some big signings this summer, especially with this being Klopp’s first full season in charge. The additions of Mane and Wijnaldum are decent ones from an outsider’s point of view, but I thought Klopp might dig into some of his Bundesliga knowledge and bring over a big name. However, with Middlesbrough legend Jonathan Woodgate now in as a scout at Anfield, maybe that could be set to change! With that in mind I’m expecting a similar performance from Liverpool in the league this season, especially with other teams around them getting particularly stronger. Klopp is always going to be an entertaining manger, though, so I do expect some memorable performances from the Reds this season. It won’t be easy getting a Champions League place, but with Klopp still at the helm, getting another Europa League spot and challenging in the cup should be the top priorities.

If you could have one Liverpool player in your team, who would it be?

Gone are the days of saying Steven Gerrard, so I’d have to side with Philippe Coutinho. He’s got the potential to be a world-class player in the years to come, and fits right into the mould of a modern attacker with pace, power and the attributes to both create and score goals. He’s also got a ferocious shot on him from long range, and I can’t imagine there’s many Premier League clubs that would turn down the opportunity of having him in their team.

Top four (in order)?

Manchester City
Manchester United
Chelsea
Arsenal

Relegated?

Swansea, Hull City, Sunderland

Who will be the surprise package?

I’m hoping it will be Middlesbrough. We’ve signed well, have Premier League experience in the ranks, and have already shocked one or two big boys in the cup. The potential to overachieve is there for all to see.

What is your one wish for the season?

To keep hold of Aitor Karanka. If the Spaniard is poached or even walks if something goes wrong, then that would be a disaster. If he’s still there at the end of the season, then the chances are that we’ll have stayed in the Premier League and had a pretty decent season. Fingers crossed.