Eddie Howe takes his Bournemouth side to Teesside to face a Middlesbrough side looking to kick on after a well earned draw away to Arsenal.

Aitor Karanka will be hoping his side can gain their first Riverside win of the season.

Eddie Howe's Bournemouth are also on a poor run of form away from home, although they did hold unbeaten Spurs at home.

This came just a week after putting six past Mike Phealan's Hull City.

Bournemouth's attacking style is one which should be copied by Boro.

The Cherries' feat of holding out Spurs at home was somewhat over looked by Karanka's team's stalemate at the Emirates.

Although they matched what Middlesbrough did last weekend, Bournemouth have been superior to the Teesside club this season.

Their demolition of Hull City was telling of just how well they have played since arriving in the Premier League just over 12 months ago.

The scoreboard at a jubilant Vitality Stadium as the demolition of Hull draws to a close | Photo: GettyImages/Jordan Mansfield
The scoreboard at the Vitality Stadium as the demolition of Hull ends | Photo: Getty Images/Jordan Mansfield

Middlesbrough, however, have only netted seven times this season. And are yet to put more than three goals past a team since March 2015.

Karanka's men were known, last year, to grind out results, especially towards the latter end of the season.

The Boro forward line look yet to click this season.

Gaston Ramirez, who was brought into the club in January 2016, has yet to find his feet in the Premier League, despite looking better in the previous match with Arsenal.

Ramirez played in an unfamiliar wide left position against Arsenal and this seemed to energise the side, who created many chances to win the match. One such chance included a free kick fired off the bar by the Uruguayan.

Gaston Ramirez spurnes Middlesbroughs best chance v Arsenal | Photo: Getty Images/
Gaston Ramirez spurnes Middlesbroughs best chance v Arsenal | Photo: Getty Images/Dan Mullan

Middlesbrough's defensive stability returning.

The match - Arsenal was one of few this season where Boro's backline looked strong.

Whether it be the 'keeper who has looked less than convincing, or the players in  front of him who have performed poorly, Middlesbrough's defense wasn't looking like it did in the Championship.

That seemed to change in North London. Victor Valdes had his best game in a Boro jersey, and - following an injury scare - he commanded his box as well as producing some top drawer saves from Alexis Sanchez.

Daniel Ayala returned to the squad against Arsenal with a point to prove. He had been replaced in Boro's starting 11 recently by Gunners loanee Calum Chambers.

He could not play against his former club, so Ayala took his place. It will be a surprise if he is not on Boro's teamsheet this weekend.

Daniel Ayala battles with Mesut Ozil during Arsenal and Middlesbrough's stalemate| Photo: GettyImages/David Price
Daniel Ayala battles with Mesut Ozil during Arsenal and Middlesbrough's draw| Photo: Getty Images/David Price
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About the author
Dom Brown
Writer for VAVEL, Trainee Sports Journalist at Leeds Trinity University. Middlesbrough fan since 1997