STAR PREVIEW: Everton v Middlesbrough

[dropcap]E[/dropcap]verton square up with Middlesbrough in the 5.30pm Premier League match (BT).

Both sides have started the season well – especially Everton currently in second place behind Man City who have opened up a five point lead.

Middlesbrough have done well, considering they were promoted from the Championship last season.

Boro’s head coach Aitor Karanka said: “As a player, I preferred to play against the best players in the world because if you are playing against them, it is because you belong at that level. For that reason, I am really pleased to be here.

“I know it’s not the same to prepare for the game against Everton or against Tottenham the following week when we were preparing last season for Championship teams. But it’s a good challenge and if you want to improve and you want to be successful, you have to do it.”

Everton v Middlesbrough
Premier
17:30 BT Sport 1 / BT Sport 1 HD / BT Sport 4K UHD

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Dec 2015 CAPITAL ONE CUP Middlesbro 0-2 Everton
Mar 2009 ENGLISH FA CUP Everton 2-1 Middlesbro
Dec 2008 PREMIER Middlesbro 0-1 Everton
Nov 2008 PREMIER Everton 1-1 Middlesbro
Jan 2008 PREMIER Middlesbro 0-2 Everton
Sep 2007 PREMIER Everton 2-0 Middlesbro
Dec 2006 PREMIERSHIP Everton 0-0 Middlesbro
Oct 2006 PREMIERSHIP Middlesbro 2-1 Everton
Apr 2006 PREMIERSHIP Middlesbro 0-1 Everton
Nov 2005 PREMIERSHIP Everton 1-0 Middlesbro

STARTING XI

Everton

22 Stekelenburg
23 Coleman
6 Jagielka
5 Williams
3 Baines
17 Gueye
18 Barry
11 Mirallas
8 Barkley
14 Bolasie
10 R Lukaku

Middlesbrough

26 Valdés
17 Barragán
4 Ayala
6 Gibson
3 Friend
14 de Roon
34 Forshaw
24 Nsue
21 Ramírez
19 Downing
10 Negredo

Boro came unstuck against Crystal Palace last week and I fancy Everton to secure all three points here and be in front at both HT and FT.

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