Myles Kenlock, Kayden Jackson and Gwion Edwards all return to the Blues starting line-up at Middlesbrough.
Kenlock makes his first appearance under Paul Lambert having returned from an ankle injury with Jonas Knudsen dropping to the bench. It’s the first time Lambert has changed his back four since taking charge.
Edwards takes over from Grant Ward, who is out for at least nine months having suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury at QPR, on the right of the front three with Jackson coming in for Ellis Harrison, who drops to the bench, down the middle.
Former Blue Grant Leadbitter isn’t in the Boro 18, while Town target Rudy Gestede is among their subs.
Middlesbrough: Randolph, Friend (c), Ayala, Hugill, Howson, Downing, Fry, Saville, Flint, Wing, Besic. Subs: Lonergan, Batth, Clayton, Assombalonga, McNair, Tavernier, Gestede.
Town: Gerken, Spence, Chambers (c), Pennington, Kenlock, Chalobah, Nolan, Downes, Edwards, Sears, Jackson. Subs: Bialkowski, Knudsen, Harrison, Bishop, Roberts, Nsiala, Dozzell. Referee: Jeremy Simpson (Lancashire).