Middlesbrough start their Championship campaign when they travel to Preston North End on Sunday, looking to erase the memory of their 2-0 playoff final defeat to Norwich City.
Summer signings
The Teesside club have made a number of key signings in their attempts to go one better this season. They have brought in striker Christian Stuani, midfielder Stewart Downing and defenders Jack Stephens, Tomas Kalas and Alex Baptiste.
The capture of Downing is most impressive, he was one of Boro's better players in their Premier League days and he should be one of the best playmakers the Championship has to offer.
Preston are back in the Championship for the first time since 2011 following their promotion from League One via the playoffs. They have made some key additions with striker Jermaine Beckford and midfielder Paul Gallagher arriving on free transfers following their release from Bolton Wanderers and Leicester.
They have also added defender Greg Cunningham on a permanent transfer as well as bringing in some loan signings in Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Sheffield Wednesday defender Marnick Vermijl and Manchester United striker Will Keane.
Team News
'Boro defender Ben Gibson will miss the game with a foot injury he picked up in a 4-0 friendly win at Barnsley. In to replace will either be Southampton loanee Jack Stephens or youth team player Dael Fry.
Christian Stuani could also feature from the bench after Boro finally got international clearance on his transfer from Espanyol.
For Preston, loan signing Vermijl should start at right-back following his arrival from Sheffield Wednesday.
Striker Keane could also feature, most likely from the bench.
Head-to-head
In recent seasons Sunday's away side have got the better of Preston with four wins from the last five meetings. In fact Preston haven't beaten Middlesbrough since a 1-0 win at Ayresome Park back in 1987. They haven't beaten the Teessiders at Deepdale since 1972 when they ran out 1-0 winners.
The managers
Preston manager Simon Grayson is excited ahead of their return to the Championship but he is also firmly grounded.
Speaking to the club's website, he said: "If anyone thinks it's going to be like last year where we are going to go 19 or 20 games unbeaten then they need a bit of a reality check, but it would be nice if that could happen!"
Boro manager Aitor Karanka, fresh from signing a new four-year contract, is confident about the strength of his squad.
Speaking to the club's website, Karanka said: “When I saw the first training session I knew they were ready. The expectations on us this season are a lot higher. Eighteen months ago we were close to the relegation position and last season we nearly went up, so everyone expects us to do even better this time.”
