Middlesbrough begin the 2010/11 Championship season with a home clash against Roy Keane's Ipswich.
Strachan to hand several players debuts; Fulop to make Town bow
Middlesbrough begin the 2010/11 Championship season with a home clash against Roy Keane's Ipswich Town.
Boro are the bookmakers' favourites to achieve promotion to the Premier League this season and will therefore be eager to start with a win.
Ipswich, meanwhile, will be aiming for at least a top-half finish after ending up in 15th last time around.
Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan could hand debuts to several players.
Strachan has invested heavily in the summer to bring in Nicky Bailey, Kris Boyd, Andy Halliday, Tarmo Kink, Stephen McManus and Kevin Thomson to the Riverside Stadium.
However, Strachan has revealed that injured midfielder Rhys Williams will be missing for several months as he undergoes rehab for a serious pelvic problem.
"We won't see Rhys until Christmas which is a huge blow for the player and for the club," said Strachan.
"He was one of our best players last season and was learning what it takes to be a top midfielder, so we'll miss him."
Meanwhile, Strachan has confirmed Mido, Didier Digard and Marvin Emnes will not be part of his squad this season and can leave the club.
Ipswich team news
Ipswich manager Roy Keane will hand a debut to goalkeeper Marton Fulop for the tough trip to Boro.
Fulop signed a two-year deal on Thursday after completing his move from Sunderland and will go straight into the starting XI at the Riverside.
Fellow new signing Mark Kennedy is poised to make his debut at left-back while Keane is considering handing a first start to midfielder Luke Hyam after the teenager impressed during pre-season.
Town's most high-profile teenager Connor Wickham will not feature however as the striker is recuperating after injuring his ankle in training.
Defender Damien Delaney is another casualty for Keane. The Irishman was forced to endure two operations to remove a blood clot from his leg and is set for an extended lay-off.
