Michael Carrick fires warning to Middlesbrough stars as Boro gear up for West Brom clash

Middlesbrough were beaten 2-0 by West Bromwich Albion when the two clubs last met back in February.

Michael Carrick has warned his Middlesbrough players they will have to hit top form if they are to pick up three points at West Bromwich Albion. Boro go to The Hawthorns on Saturday looking to record their first Championship win of the season.

 

The Baggies, managed by Carlos Corberan, are 13th in the standings after their opening three fixtures. They produced a spirited performance at promotion favourites Leeds United last time out to build on a home win over Swansea City.

Middlesbrough came a cropper on their last trip to WBA, losing 2-0 back in February after a first half double from striker Daryl Dike. “They (West Brom) are a very good team,” acknowledged Carrick. “They are very well coached.

“We sampled that down at their place last season. They are very well-organised and intense with the way they play.

“They have got good players. They have experienced players at the level.

“We sampled that down at their place last season. They are very well-organised and intense with the way they play.

“It will be a tough challenge for us. You have got to be at your best and we will certainly have to be close to that to perform and do well on Saturday.”

Despite their slow start to the season, Carrick is confident Boro are on the right lines. Describing West Brom as a “another step”, Carrick said: “We have worked on a few things this week and we want to improve. We are expecting a tough game.

“We feel if we put the right things in place over a long period of time and are consistent with what we do then we will have a good chance in the