Preston v Middlesbrough preview

“It should be a good atmosphere on Sunday and with Middlesbrough selling over 3,000 already that’s a bonus and that’s what the Championship is all about”.

Six players from last year’s playoff-winning squad have signed permanent contracts, while Jordan Pickford and Will Keane have also joined from Sunderland and Manchester United respectively.

Stewart Downing is set for a second “debut” having return to his hometown club over the summer and striker Christian Stuani has received worldwide clearance.

Middlesbrough meanwhile will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of the playoffs last season, where they produced a lacklustre performance in falling to Norwich City at Wembley.

Certain key players have gone the opposite way, however, including Lee Tomlin and Patrick Bamford, who will both be playing Premier League football next season.

Despite the signings, the biggest bit of business by the club was keeping Joe Garner. No keeper recorded more shutouts than Dimi Konstantopoulos last term (21), while no side conceded fewer than Boro’s tally of 37 during the regular season. “It is their first game at home after promotion”, head coach Aitor Karanka told the

North End had hoped to get Sam Johnstone back on loan this summer but opted for Pickford as their number-one target’s tenure at Manchester United remains uncertain with doubts persisting over the futures of David De Gea and Victor Valdes.