Middlesbrough will look to build on victory over Blades

Boro host Burton Albion for the first time in their history on the back of their first victory under their new manager, Sheffield United having been beaten 1-0 on Saturday.

Rudy Gestede, who has had a tough time since arriving in January from Aston Villa, got the winner as the Teesside club bounced back from their opening-day loss at Wolverhampton Wanderers to claim only a second league victory in 2017.

“The squad is vitally important and that is why we have it,” said Monk ahead of tonight’s meeting with the Brewers. “We have had a big transition with players coming in and going out as we try and shape the squad to what we need.

“An excellent performance (from Gestede) and they are willing each other to do well. That is the mentality we are trying to create and it is important everyone’s ready.”

Martin Braithwaite is again expected to miss out with a hamstring injury sustained in training last week as Boro look to back up the triumph over the Blades.

Connor Ripley must also sit out tonight’s game with his parent club under the terms of the summer loan switch that took the goalkeeper to the Pirelli Stadium. Former Sheffield Wednesday man Stephen Bywater will, instead, face Boro after getting the nod over Ripley in Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Hull City.

Jackson Irvine is suspended following his red card at the KCOM Stadium, while Stephen Warnock is also struggling to shake off an ankle problem.

Last six games: Middlesbrough DLLLLW Burton Albion WDLLWL.

Referee: T Robinson (West Sussex).

Last time: Never met.