Middlesbrough lineup for Swansea opener

An early look at Middlesbrough’s lineup for the Swansea opener highlights new signings and injury concerns shaping the season.

Middlesbrough pick Brittain and van den Berg for Swansea opener

Middlesbrough start Rob Edwards’s first season with a home fixture against Swansea City, and a number of fitness doubts shape the XI. The club will be without Riley McGree, Finn Azaz, George Edmundson, Seny Dieng, Darragh Lenihan and Alex Bangura, leaving room for fresh faces and a reworked system. Alfie Jones, a Hull City signing, is among the first-time enters and could feature alongside Dael Fry in a central defensive trio, with Neto Borges at the heart of the back line.

The likely starting XI centers on Sol Brynn in goal, Callum Brittain at right wing-back, Sammy Silvera at left wing-back, Aidan Morris and Hayden Hackney in midfield, Morgan Whittaker and Delano Burgzorg as attacking midfielders, and Tommy Conway leading the line. Rav van den Berg’s involvement is expected to hinge on fitness and transfer chatter, with Borges perhaps staying in the lineup while Van den Berg watches from the bench as the window drama unfolds. The setup signals a shift toward a more dynamic, pace-driven shape intended to push Swansea high up the pitch.

Edwards appears intent on a clear, modern template that blends young playmakers with dependable central pieces. The emphasis on wing-backs suggests an attack-minded approach that will test new signings like Brittain and Jones from day one. The pre-season injuries, if unresolved, could force early compromises as the season begins, making selection decisions as important as the XI itself. This is a test of balance: can Morris and Hackney control tempo while Whittaker and Burgzorg convert chances into goals? The answer will set the tone for how ambitious Boro can be under their new coach.

Highlights

Time will tell if this rebuilt shape translates into results on the field.