Team News: Jordan Botaka makes Leeds United debut at Middlesbrough

Leeds United have handed a first start to Jordan Botaka as they travel to Middlesbrough in the Championship this afternoon.

The 22-year-old winger is one of five changes made by the visitors. Tom Adeyemi joins Botaka in midfield, while Gaetano Berardi and Giuseppe Bellusci return to the defence. Mirco Antenucci will lead in the line in the absence of the injured Chris Wood.

Middlesbrough have made six changes for the game, having rested a number of first-team players for their 3-0 League Cup third-round win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek.

Christian Stuani and Daniel Ayala - who were doubts for the hosts - have both come through a late fitness tests to start at the Riverside Stadium, while Dimitrios Konstantopoulos, Adam Clayton, Stewart Downing, and David Nugent also regain their places in the starting XI.

Middlesbrough: Konstantopoulos; Kalas, Ayala, Amorebieta, Friend; Clayton, Leadbitter; Downing, Adomah, Stuani; Nugent Subs: Mejias, Gibson, Kike, De Pena, Nsue, Fabbrini, Forshaw

Leeds United: Silvestri; Berardi, Bellusci, Bamba, Taylor; Adeyemi, Cook, Mowatt, Botaka; Dallas, Antenucci Subs: Turnbull, Wootton, Cooper, Murphy, Phillips, Byram, Doukara

Follow Sports Mole's live coverage of the game from the Riverside Stadium here.