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Middlesbrough haven’t been praised for their attacking prowess since their return to the Championship in 2017, but one of their new signings may finally help rekindle their firepower.
24-year-old Chuba Akpom returned to English football last weekend, joining Middlesbrough for a reported £2.75 million transfer fee from Greek side PAOK. The striker came through Arsenal’s academy at age six, playing four games for the Gunners’ first team. Throughout his time under contract in North London, Akpom built up experience in the lower reaches of English football, which could be vital in helping him settle back in the Championship.
The former England U21 international started with loan spells at then League One sides Brentford and Coventry in 2013/14, before gaining Championship experience with Nottingham Forest and Hull City in the following two seasons. While failing to make a significant impression while out on loan, Akpom showed flashes of brilliance that highlighted just what he’s capable of.
Akpom’s time abroad has perhaps provided the best platform for him to showcase his talents. While on loan at Belgian side Sint-Truiden, he scored six goals in sixteen appearances before earning a permanent move to PAOK, playing a crucial part in their first title win in 34 years.
At just 24 years old, there’s a lot of untapped potential in the striker, and Neil Warnock may be the man to help him reach his potential. The 71-year-old is one of the most experienced managers in the Football League, although he’s still working to steady the ship at the Riverside Stadium after last season’s brush with relegation.
Of course, he’ll have to adapt to Warnock’s preferred style of play. The two strikers in Boro’s 3-5-2 system have to work incredibly hard to provide both width and attacking threat, and while they’ve looked defensively solid, carving out clear-cut chances has been a challenge.
It looks like Chuba Akpom will be thrown right into the action against QPR this weekend, with Ashley Fletcher a doubt due to a hamstring injury. While Boro’s new signing will be present at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, their manager will not. Neil Warnock tested positive for Covid-19 last week and will help to take control of his side via a Zoom call.
A trip to W12 could be exactly what Akpom needs to adjust to life back in the second tier of English football. As for the Rs, despite a superb opening-day win at home to Nottingham Forest, they showed their defensive frailties in a 3-2 loss to Coventry City at St Andrews last weekend. The Arsenal academy product could use his pace to expose the Rangers’ backline, and could build up a dangerous partnership with Britt Assombalonga in Middlesbrough’s attack.
Warnock’s side have taken just one point from their opening two games, albeit against two of the recently relegated Premier League sides. Their upcoming trip to London may provide the platform to kickstart their season, but Mark Warburton’s men may fancy their chances against a side which is low on confidence and without their manager in attendance.
While Middlesbrough have undoubtedly improved as a defensive unit, Lyndon Dykes has scored two goals in his first two Championship starts for QPR and will be confident in continuing his run of form this weekend. Arriving from Livingston this summer, the 24-year-old Scotland international has been tasked with leading the line for the Londoners as they look to build on their 13th place finish last season.
QPR go into this weekend’s clash having only beaten Middlesbrough twice since 2015, but having beaten Warnock’s side in their most recent league meeting in July 2020.
