Michael Carrick told his press conference on Thursday that he is fully aware his Middlesbrough side will be coming up against a team in Leeds United that boasts a number of Premier League players.
Arguably the clash of the weekend, Boro and Carrick go to Elland Road – where the Boro boss has also joked about the kind of atmosphere he will get, given he played nearly 500 times for Manchester United.
With Boro expected to be in and around the top six after reaching the play-offs last season, and Leeds a strong bet for automatic promotion come the end of the year – it is going to be a hotly-contested clash.
Boro of course, will be without Sam Greenwood who has picked up some excellent form of late for the Teesside club. Carrick spoke ahead of the game in Thursday’s presser, as per Boro’s YouTube channel.
He was asked about the quality of the Leeds squad and says that given Boro have beaten both Leicester and Southampton this term, his side are confident going into the game – but is aware of the challenge.
“They’re a very good team, largely with Premier League players – or players that have experienced the Premier League. It does make a difference. The boys have shown against Southampton and Leicester.
“We’re capable of playing against teams that’ve come down. If we play well, we’ll have a chance. Beating Preston, is irrelevant. It’s another game for us, a tough one – one of the tougher ones we’ll face,” he said.
Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick on quality of Leeds squad
Leeds do have a Premier League side. Some would argue that it is even stronger than the side that tried to stay in the Premier League, last season. Our attack would pose danger to most clubs in the top tier.
A win on Saturday would be enormous. Not only would it be a signal of intent to Boro and the rest of the Championship. But, also, Leicester go to in-form West Brom and could drop points. So, a big chance.
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