Boro v Sheffield United Team News
Middlesbrough FC host Sheffield United tonight in the opening game of the Championship season.
Gary O'Neil requires a hernia operation, however he is likely to play through the pain in the first game of the season before having surgery next week.
Tuncay Sanli has been rumoured to be suffering from tonsillitis and is rated 50/50 for the match. Jeremie Aliadiere has also suffered from sickness and is rated as "doubtful".
New keeper, Danny Coyne, is set to make his full Boro debut as Brad Jones picked up an ankle injury and faces 3 weeks out. England U19 keeper, Jason Steele, will start on the Boro bench.
Mark Yeats, another new signing, is also ready to start on the right wing after impressing in pre season.
Matthew Bates, Afonso Alves, Chris Riggott and Emanuel Pogatetz all miss out with long term injuries.
Possible starting 11:
Coyne;
Hoyte, Wheater, Huth, Taylor;
Yeates, O'Neil, Arca (c), Johnson;
Emnes, Tuncay
The game is live on Sky Sports 1, kick off 8:00.