Middlesbrough v Rochdale preview
Tuesday 28 August 2018 11:45, UK
Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis is set to ring the changes for Tuesday night's Carabao Cup tie at home to League One Rochdale.
Pulis' side take on fellow Championship pacesetters Leeds on Friday night and that could be good news for the fringe players in his squad.
Ashley Fletcher scored twice in the previous round on his only start of the season so far, while the likes of goalkeeper Andy Lonergan and midfielder Grant Leadbitter are also expected to feature. Striker Rudy Gestede continues to work his way back from an ankle problem.
Rochdale could again be without goalkeeper Josh Lillis after he missed Saturday's home defeat by Walsall through injury. Fulham loanee Magnus Norman deputised at the weekend and will continue if Lillis fails to recover in time for the trip to the north east.
Manager Keith Hill is likely to shuffle his pack after watching his side suffer a third defeat in five league games. Brad Inman, Kgosi Ntlhe and Calvin Andrew are the players most likely to benefit from any changes.
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Middlesbrough and Rochdale have faced just once previously - they met in a Football League Trophy quarter-final in February 1987, which ended 0-0 before Middlesbrough won 4-3 on penalties.
Rochdale haven't reached the third round of the League Cup since the 2011-12 campaign, one of only three occasions they've managed to do so (also 1960-61 and 1961-62).
Middlesbrough have won five of their last six League Cup second round matches, losing the other away to Fulham in August 2016.
Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis has faced Rochdale twice previously in the League Cup, both as Stoke boss, winning 2-1 in August 2003 but going out in August 2007 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Rochdale have lost their last five League Cup matches against sides from a higher division since winning 2-0 against QPR in August 2011.
