'Wolves v Boro - Who are the debutants?'

'Wolves v Boro - Who are the debutants?'

After a busy summer transfer window, both Wolves and Boro are likely to field numerous debutants in their opening game of the season.

Boro chairman Steve Gibson had promised changes in “all aspects” of the club following relegation from the Premier League.

“The club is well run and we're in a good financial state so we will have more resources going into next season than any other Championship club.”

"We will smash the league next year. We want to go back up as Champions.”

With that, Gibson has stood by his word and provided financial backing to Garry Monk to bring in experienced Championship players and it’s highly likely at least six new faces will be in the Boro squad for the Wolves game.

Championship hot-shot Britt Assombalonga signed for Boro in a £15m move from Nottingham Forest and is almost certain to start upfront on Saturday. Another new striker, Ashley Fletcher, managed to get half an hour under his belt whilst providing the assist for Adam Forshaw’s winner in the friendly against Augsburg at the Riverside. He is likely to start on the bench for Boro.

Martin Braithwaite arrived from Toulouse and impressed during Boro’s pre-season, especially in the final game. The Dane played just off Britt Assombalonga and is almost a certain in Boro’s starting eleven against Wolves.

Former Norwich midfielder Jonny Howson lined up alongside Marten de Roon and Adam Clayton in a midfield trio last weekend. Garry Monk is likely to stick with this midfield three.

Right-back Cyrus Christie showed his attacking intentions in the last friendly, with Garry Monk encouraging him and George Friend to get forward and provide the width, we’re likely to see him start in the same formation against Wolves.

Finally, new keeper Darren Randolph is set to keep his place in goal and make his Championship debut for Boro this weekend.

Meanwhile for Wolves, Brazilian striker Leo Bonatini has signed for the club on loan having scored 15 goals in 36 appearances last season for Al-Hilal Riyadh.

Ruben Neves is expected to make his Championship debut having joined for £15.8m from FC Porto.

Another loan signing, Diogo Jota, is likely to keep his place in the Wolves team having impressed in a pre season win over Leicester. The winger could prove to be a suitable replacement for the injured Costa.

Ex Norwich keeper John Ruddy could also make his club debut, along with Ryan Bennett and Roderick Miranda.

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