Middlesbrough FC: Three hopes, one fear

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MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Viktor Fischer of Middlesbrough and Scott Dann of Crystal Palace battle for possession during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace at Riverside Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /

The Boro are back in the Premier League. Will they be around for long?

It has been a long time since Middlesbrough was in the Premier League. To put it into perspective the last time that The Boro were in England’s top division a young Senator from Illinois named Barack Obama was just about to become President. Also, MySpace was all the rage. My how things have changed.

Middlesbrough were able to escape the difficult Football League Championship in part due to tremendous defending. The Boro allowed just 31 goals last season which was the lowest in the EFL. Their stingy defense crippled attacks in the Second Division and helped them hold back Manchester United in their League Cup match last October.

By adding the likes of Alvaro Negredo and Jordan Rhodes Middlesbrough supporters are hoping that they have the firepower to match their defensive effort. But the big fear is that at a higher level their defense might not hold, especially considering the uncertainty that they have at goalkeeper.

Want to learn more about Middlesbrough? Then check out our three hopes and one fear!

Next: Hope #1: That either Brad Guzan or Victor Valdes can turn back the clock.

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