Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has been speaking ahead of his side’s trip to Leeds United, in what looks to be the Championship’s game of the week.
Boro currently sit fifth in the table and head to a Leeds outfit occupying a place in the top two thanks to the best home record in the division.
Leeds have won seven consecutive home league matches since a 1-0 defeat to Burnley back in September, though Boro have also already tasted success at Elland Road this season.
Boro defeated Daniel Farke‘s side 3-0 in the Carabao Cup first round back in August, though this game is likely to have two very different starting line-ups.
Leeds had the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Patrick Bamford and Karl Darlow in their side that night, none of whom have started a single league match all season.
Carrick on if Leeds is Championship’s toughest away match
Managers have not been shy of giving Leeds praise at times this season, one of which includes Chris Wilder on Sunday even after a game the Whites weren’t involved in.
Despite Sheffield United sitting top of the Championship, Wilder labelled Leeds as ‘miles ahead‘ of his side, a claim Farke has since denied.
Derby County boss Paul Warne also claimed he was ‘uncomfortable‘ at how far ahead Leeds were of his team on the weekend.
However, speaking in his pre-match press conference, Boro boss Carrick did not want to be quite so eager in his praise, after being asked whether Elland Road was the toughest away stadium in the division.
He said: “As you’d expect really, they are a dangerous team that put a lot of bodies forward, really good individuals and don’t give much away, hence why they are towards the top of the league.
“It is a great game for us in terms of the challenge and going there to perform in a game like this, like we did the other night. It’s all in front of us and the boys are ready for it.
“I can see why you have asked that but I think that’s a little bit belittling others if you like. We have had other tough games. We’ve won some away games, lost some away games and hopefully win tomorrow, but we might not win tomorrow.
“What’s to judge the toughest one really, I think it’s game by game. Of course, for the team, the stadium, the energy you can bring in their home form, it’s a tough game.
“But we wouldn’t put it up in comparison to any other really. It’s just this league and games can swing certain ways without overthinking it really. We know what type of game we’re getting ourselves into.”
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Daniel Farke verdict on Middlesbrough ahead of Leeds
It certainly is two of the best sides in the division going head-to-head at Elland Road this evening, and in his press conference on Monday, Farke was asked whether the match will be decided out wide.
Farke does not believe that will be the case but knows Boro are ‘one of the best teams’ in the league due to the attacking options Carrick has at his disposal.
He said: “All is connected. Our wingers alone will not win the game and neither their wingers. It’s important you initiate your attacks in the proper way. Need to be structured against the ball. Creativity on the wings and hope they can deliver on the wings with assists and end products.
“Boro one of the best teams in this league with individuals. Conway and Latte Lath score goals. Jones came in and did well. Several good options. One of the best attacking sides in this league.
“Our defence needs to be spot on, our compactness. More possession means more control and better positions. Better movements from our attackers to be found with passes.”
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