Middlesbrough are expected to name a much-changed side when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the Carabao Cup third round, with manager Kim Hellberg confirming that squad rotation is planned.
The fixture arrives during a busy run of Championship matches for Boro, prompting Hellberg to consider players who have had limited involvement so far. Tommy Conway could be given a starting role after coming off the bench in Middlesbrough's last two matches while continuing his return to full match sharpness following summer double surgery.
Amario Cozier-Duberry and Connor Barron are also in contention for their Middlesbrough debuts after joining on deadline day. Sam Byram could make his first appearance since arriving as a free agent, having not yet featured for the club.
Rokas Pukstas made his debut as a substitute against QPR and is expected to be considered for his first start at Selhurst Park. David Strelec is another option after recovering from a pre-season injury, while Leo Castledine is also viewed as a possible starter.
A potential Middlesbrough line-up is: Brynn; Byram, Ayling, Jones, Borges; Barron, Peart-Harris, Pukstas; Cozier-Duberry, Conway, Castledine or Strelec. Hellberg has stressed that players must take their opportunities, while also making clear that Boro will be aiming to win against Palace.
