Middlesbrough and Swansea City get their seasons underway with a showdown at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Both clubs performed below their expected levels in the Championship during the last campaign and will be looking to produce a positive response.
Match preview
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In comparison to his first season in charge, Michael Carrick and his Middlesbrough side lost momentum with their efforts during 2023-24.
A late surge was only good enough for eighth position and the onus will be on making the fastest of starts to this campaign given that it took eight matches to post a win during the last campaign.
Changes to the squad have been relatively few and far between, midfielder Aidan Morris and forward Delano Burgzorg the only fresh faces being brought into the club.
More will naturally follow with Boro yet to make any loan signings, yet Carrick will expect the best out of his players after an unbeaten pre-season.
However, aside from defeating Eredivisie side Heerenveen by a 1-0 scoreline, Boro did not overcome any opponents who play at a higher level.
Meanwhile at Swansea, Luke Williams was able to use the second half of 2023-24 to determine who he wants in his squad for the upcoming playoff push.
As well as retaining the majority of the senior squad, several unknown quantities have been signed with Goncalo Franco, Eom Ji-sung and Zan Vipotnik moving to South Wales.
How they fare remains to be seen, but Williams will be left encouraged by the closing pre-season result with Rio Ave having been defeated by a 3-0 scoreline last weekend.
Although Swansea's hierarchy were quick to part ways with Michael Duff last season, more faith may be shown in Williams as they bid for some stability.
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Team News
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With Jonny Howson having suffered a knock against Heerenveen, Morris could be handed a full debut in midfield.
Burgzorg came off the substitutes' bench to net a late winner from the penalty spot in that game, yet it may not be enough to earn him a place in the first XI.
Barring any fitness issues, the remainder of the lineup could remain the same.
Of the players that did not feature in the Swansea XI against Rio Ave, only Kyle Naughton and Ollie Cooper are realistic challengers for a starting spot.
Vipotnik will likely only feature among the replacements after watching that fixture from the stands, but goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux should start between the sticks.
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Dieng; Ayling, Van den Berg, Clarke, Engel; Howson, Hackney; Jones, McGree, Azaz; Latte Lath
Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Vigouroux; Key, Cabango, Darling, Tymon; Grimes, Fulton, Franco; Abdulai, Cullen, Cooper
We say: Middlesbrough 2-1 Swansea City
With Swansea more settled under Williams, they could produce a few surprises this season. However, on this occasion, we are backing Boro to edge a competitive contest, potentially having to ride out some nervy moments in the process.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
