MIDDLESBROUGH manager Garry Monk has made two changes from the side that started last weekend's Championship win over QPR as his side returns to league duty at Fulham.

Jonny Howson and Patrick Bamford feature in the starting line-up, having impressed in the midweek Carabao Cup win at Aston Villa.

Howson replaces Grant Leadbitter at the heart of midfield, and will play alongside Adam Clayton, who was suspended for the midweek cup win.

Bamford is preferred to Stewart Downing, with his promotion to the starting side a reward for his two-goal performance at Villa.

Marcus Tavernier also caught the eye at Villa Park, and the teenager has been promoted to the substitutes' bench this afternoon.

Fulham feature former Boro duo Ryan Fredericks and Tomas Kalas in their starting XI.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Button; Fredericks, Ream, Kalas, Sessegnon; McDonald, Johansen; Norwood, Fonte, Ojo; Ayite.

Subs: Bettinelli (gk), Odoi, Kebano, Mollo, Djalo, Cisse, Kamara.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1): Randolph; Christie, Fry, Gibson, Fabio; Clayton, Howson; Bamford, Baker, Johnson; Assombalonga.

Subs: Konstantopoulos (gk), Friend, Shotton, Leadbitter, Downing, Tavernier, Fletcher.