An intriguing midfield showdown is in prospect between England under-21 team-mates Jonathan Greening and Michael Carrick when the two go face-to-face at The Riverside on Saturday afternoon.
Despite Middlesbrough's appalling start to the campaign, summer signing Jonathan Greening has looked a promising acquisition by under pressure boss Steve McClaren. The former Manchester United youngster has featured in every league game so far and thus tasted each defeat first hand, but remains one of the most creative outlets in the side.
The North East outfit are currently the fifth-most accurate team in possession and Greening has weighed in with three defence-splitting passes. Unfortunately even the sheer volume of his distribution has not yet led to him setting up Boro goal, but then the team have only netted once so far.
Carrick may not have sprayed the ball around as often as his contemporary, but when he has released the ball he has found his intended target 83% of the time - six percentage points better than Greening.
While both players have proven astute with their vision, neither has managed to find his goal touch as of yet. Carrick is renowned for being able line up a fine strike, but has so far failed to even trouble a 'keeper with any of his four efforts. Greening may have attempted one shot fewer, however he has at least landed two efforts on target.
The game may be billed as a bottom of the table clash, however Carrick is remaining philosophical at this early stage of the campaign, stating: "Whatever has been said about us, we are in it together - and will have quite a bit to say in what happens in the Premiership.".
Both Greening and Carrick have been fully committed their clubs' cause and this is demonstrated by their ball-winning ability. The Boro man has won an exemplary 92% of his challenges - just three percentage points better than his opposite number, ensuring that a colossal battle is in prospect.
Mark Willis