Michael Carrick is likely to have the same squad at his disposal for Saturday's clash with Cardiff City as they look to build on their morale-boosting late win over Hull City.

Boro were without nine injured players for the trip to Hull but, thanks to late sub Alex Gilbert, they were able to leave with all three points and climb to fifth in the Championship table. Though a few players are closing in on a return, Carrick was expecting the turnaround between games to be too quick to welcome anyone back for Saturday's clash at the Riverside.

Despite depleted options, Carrick was still able to make four changes for Boro and still pick up the win, albeit not in the most comfortable or convincing of circumstances. With that in mind, here's how we predict Boro will line-up against Cardiff this weekend.

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GK - Tom Glover - The Australian deserves a lot of credit for how he's handled himself this season despite slipping to third-choice. Given an unexpected opportunity after injuries to Sol Brynn and Seny Dieng, Glover has kept two clean sheets in his two starts.

DR - Anfernee Dijksteel - With Luke Ayling struggling due to the stitches he got in his foot in the Millwall win, Dijksteel is enjoying an extended run in the team. His impressive season is continuing as he continues to prove a reliable option for Boro.

DC - Dael Fry - Watching Fry in recent outings makes it hard to believe he's only recently back from a nine-month absence. He doesn't look like he's missed a beat and has played his part in some much-improved defensive displays.

DC - Rav van den Berg - It was harsh on George Edmundson, but, as we predicted, Van den Berg returned against Hull. Edmundson has done really well and will remain an important player this season but, when fit, Fry and Van den Berg feel like Boro's best pairing.

DL - Lukas Engel - Returning to the side after four months out, Engel wasn't tested much from a defensive point of view but barely put a foot wrong in a solid outing. Though Neto Borges came on and played his part in Boro's winning goal, the Brazilian could probably do with a little rest and the competition can hopefully help both step up their levels.

CM - Dan Barlaser - Aidan Morris is closing in on a return but not in time for this one. Barlaser is enjoying a decent run in the side though and will relish every opportunity he gets. His passing range can always help unlock the door in games like this.

CM- Hayden Hackney - Hackney's having a little tough period right now. While his energy and positivity make him an important player, particularly in Morris's absence, he's been a bit sloppy with possession of late. He could do with a good game in this one.

RW - Ben Doak - Keen to protect the Liverpool loanee and not overuse him or put him at risk of injury, Carrick was able to rest him on New Year's Day and only use him for the final 20 minutes. While the Boro boss was pleased with Isaiah Jones's performance, Doak's absence was noticeable and he'll likely be back in for this one, with a potential to rest him again for the cup game next weekend.

AM - Alex Gilbert - A contentious call, particularly given a more realistic opportunity to give Gilbert an opportunity might be in the FA Cup next weekend. But, full of confidence after his huge night at Hull, and with Finn Azaz probably in need of the rest that Carrick was able to give Doak, this could be a perfect opportunity to give Gilbert his chance. He has history against Cardiff too!

LW - Delano Burgzorg - Perhaps it doesn't say the best about their consistency that neither Burgzorg nor Riley McGree can nail down the left wing role long-term right now. Nevertheless, the competition is clearly driving up standards as both tend to have points to prove after being dropped. It was Burgzorg's turn at Hull from the bench and he deserves to start this one - the one caveat being whether Engel can do the inverted role Borges has been to free up more space for the Boro forward.

ST - Emmanuel Latte Lath - While speculation will continue throughout the month on his future as Boro brace themselves for lucrative offers this month, the fact is, for now, he is a Boro player and shows no sign of downing tools to force a move away. With Tommy Conway out injured, Latte Lath will almost certainly start.