Expect Blackburn to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1, with a double pivot shielding a back four that will sit deep and try to stay compact. They’ll look to hit through the wide channels, getting their full-backs forward to whip crosses into the box. But that leaves space in behind, and Middlesbrough have the pace to exploit it. Boro will likely mirror the shape — 4-2-3-1 — but with a more aggressive press, stepping onto Blackburn’s midfield and forcing errors high up the pitch.

The key battle will be in the middle of the park. Blackburn’s double pivot can be overrun if they don’t track runners, and Boro’s number ten loves to drift into those half-spaces between the lines. If Middlesbrough win that midfield dogfight, they’ll control the game. Blackburn will try to go direct, but Boro’s centre-backs are comfortable dealing with aerial balls — they’ll eat that up all day.

Set pieces could be a factor too. Blackburn are decent from dead balls, but Middlesbrough have a real threat from corners and free-kicks, with big bodies attacking the near post. If it turns into a scrappy, low-block affair, Boro have the quality to unlock it. If it opens up, they’ll knife through Blackburn’s lines on the counter.