Middlesbrough vs Crystal Palace. Premier League.
Riverside StadiumAttendance30,551.
Saturday 10 September 2016 14:15, UK
New signings Calum Chambers and Adama Traore could be handed Middlesbrough debuts when Crystal Palace visit the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.
Chambers was signed on a season-long loan from Arsenal on August 30, while Traore joined from Aston Villa on a permanent deal a day later.
"Sometimes in the market you can find bargains. We were waiting for the right player and Calum [Chambers] ticks all the boxes," said Boro boss Aitor Karanka. "Adama has everything and I hope I can bring the best out of him."
For Crystal Palace, brothers Christian and Jonathan Benteke could feature, with boss Alan Pardew admitting the latter has a chance following Loic Remy's injury.
"This [Jonathan Benteke transfer] was because of Christian, he highlighted him to us," said Pardew. "We checked him out and liked the look of him. It was not a big fee so he comes here under no pressure.
"We are so disappointed because he [Remy] looked great. It was a very innocuous moment on the training ground. Sadly that happens."
Victor Valdes (hamstring), defenders George Friend (calf) and Fabio da Silva (knee) and midfielder Marten de Roon (also hamstring) have all recovered from injuries.
Karanka will make late checks on Uruguay internationals Gaston Ramirez and Cristhian Stuani following their return from international duty.
Remy returned to Chelsea from Palace after sustaining a thigh injury in training, and the striker could be out for up to two months.
Mathieu Flamini will travel to the Riverside after arriving on a free transfer until the end of the season on Thursday.
Pardew has fitness doubts over Yohan Cabaye, James McArthur and Bakary Sako, while Fraizer Campbell has been ruled out.
This will be the first top-flight meeting between these sides since the 2004/05 season, when Middlesbrough won twice (2-1 at home, 1-0 away) and Palace were eventually relegated.
The Eagles have never won in five league visits to the Riverside Stadium, alternating between defeat and a draw in all five (D2 L3).
Middlesbrough are one of two Premier League sides yet to score in the second half this season, along with Burnley.
Christian Benteke has been flagged offside more than anyone else in the Premier League this season, despite playing only once (5).
Middlesbrough have lost just one of their last 10 home games at this level, but seven of these have ended all square (W2 D7 L1).
Andros Townsend has had more shots than any other Premier League player this season without finding the net (12).
Alvaro Negredo has been directly involved in all three of Middlesbrough's Premier League goals so far this season (scoring once and assisting the other two).
Alan Pardew has lost three of the four Premier League games he's managed against Middlesbrough (W1).
Since losing to Charlton in March, Middlesbrough are unbeaten in 13 league games (W7 D6). However, six of the last seven they've played have ended as draws.
Crystal Palace have collected just 12 points from their 22 Premier League games in 2016 (W2 D6 L14).
Loic Remy scored in his first Premier League appearance for both QPR and Chelsea, while he assisted on his PL debut for Newcastle United.
Middlesbrough have started the season very well and Crystal Palace have been all over the place, but I'm tipping the visitors to grab a point at the Riverside.
They have bought well and the firepower up front is much improved, so they should cause problems with their pace on the break.
I have played at Boro and the fans will be tearing at their team to attack, and that could play into Palace's hands on the counter.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Most popular Super 6 prediction: 1-1)
