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Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: David Prutton delivers prediction on Tony Pulis’ debut
TONY PULIS will enjoy a dream Middlesbrough debut against Aston Villa today (3pm).
Tony Pulis takes charge of Middlesbrough for the first time tomorrow - Aston Villa are the visitors
That is according to Championship pundit David Prutton, who is not expecting a repeat of September’s goalless draw in the reverse fixture.
Pulis was appointed as Garry Monk’s successor on Boxing Day - three days after the former Leeds boss was given the boot.
Middlesbrough head into the game sitting seventh in the Championship table but they are a long way off hitting their target of automatic promotion.
Villa have suffered a wobble in recent weeks, failing to secure a win in their last five games.
And Prutton believes that run will be extended with Pulis likely to have his troops fired up for the “heavyweight” clash.
This is a heavyweight game in the Sky Bet Championship
“Middlesbrough made it very clear that the only target for the season was an immediate return to the Premier League, and they were far too inconsistent under Garry Monk to launch a real challenge for the top two,” he told Sky Sports.
“That's why Tony Pulis is in.
“This is a heavyweight game in the Sky Bet Championship and the reverse fixture earlier in the season was an absolutely dreadful goalless draw.
“There should be more goals here, though, and I think it Boro will edge it.”
Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa line ups
Middlesbrough: Randolph, Shotton, Ayala, Friend, Leadbitter, Howson, Downing, Braithwaite, Assombalonga, Gestede
Subs: Dimi, Christie, Guedioura, Baker, Traore, Fletcher, Bamford
Aston Villa: Johnstone, Elmohamady, Elphick, Chester, Hutton, Snodgrass, Hourihane, Jedinak, Adomah, Onomah, Hogan
Subs: Steer, Bree, Bjarnason, Doyle-Hayes, Hepburn-Murphy, O’Hare, Grealish