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Rob Edwards has been defending Morgan Whittaker for his performances of late, but will the Middlesbrough manager finally listen to the fans this weekend?
It’s been an incredible start to the season for Middlesbrough, so it would make sense if Rob Edwards is reluctant to change things any time soon.
However, with the visit of West Brom on Friday night, Edwards will face one of his sternest tests of the campaign to date.
In our Championship score predictions for this weekend, we foresee a score draw between these two teams. Still, if Boro fans get their say, Edwards might just end up with the firepower needed to get past the Baggies.
Middlesbrough supporters want David Strelec and Sverre Nypan to lead the line
Morgan Whittaker has not had a great start to his Boro career since joining in January. He’s still yet to score for the Teessiders and fans have voiced their concerns over the player quite loudly.
Edwards called out the Middlesbrough fans for booing Whittaker at the weekend. Clearly, the Boro boss wants to give the boy a chance, but it remains to be seen whether Whittaker gets the nod this time round against West Brom.
Over on Reddit, Boro fans have shared their thoughts on how Edwards should line up against the Baggies. One supporter wrote: “I am desperate for Morgan to do well, but I think currently we have better options.”
Another replied, “Have to take Whittaker out of the firing line. I honestly believe if there is a player in there, he’d benefit coming on when the team are potentially in the lead, against a tiring side. Agree with Edwards about jeering our own, but if he starts again then it kind of looks like selection isn’t based on merit.”
Last time out, Edwards started Tommy Conway, Whittaker, and Kaly Sene. Now, fans are demanding a change, with one fan sharing their ideal front three: “Strelec, Nypan, Hansen. Honestly just doesn’t look like it’s going to happen for Whittaker.”
In particular, the idea of David Strelec and Sverre Nypan starting is pretty unanimous. Even Rob Edwards has outlined the plan for Sverre Nypan to become a key player at Boro.
There seems to be an argument over whether Conway or Sontje Hansen should start, though. One fan said, “I’d probably go Conway instead of Hansen, I think Hansen is a massive threat from the bench.”
Meanwhile, another replied, “I just think with Conway the forward line lacks a little pace. Nypan and Strelec are both quite technical and Hansen offers more of a direct threat which we’ve been lacking. I agree though, coming off the bench against tired legs he does look good.”
What should Rob Edwards do about Morgan Whittaker?
Regardless of Edwards’ call for more patience with Whittaker, the Boro boss does have a decision to make this weekend and it just doesn’t seem like there is a place for him right now.
Whittaker was branded ‘lacklustre’ last weekend and it’s hard to argue with that. While keeping his spirits high is important, it’s equally as important not to put too much pressure on the player, and keeping him on the bench is probably the best course of action this weekend.
Middlesbrough’s fantastic start to the season will be put to the test against West Brom. Not only that, but the cameras will be watching very closely for the Friday night game. Whittaker does not need that kind of spotlight right now.
Still, the odds are in Boro’s favour against West Brom. They’ve not lost at the Riverside against the Baggies in six years now, and Edwards will be desperate to keep that record intact.