ADAMA TRAORE returns to Middlesbrough's starting line-up for this afternoon's crucial relegation battle at Swansea City.

Traore started on the bench when Steve Agnew took charge of his first game since replacing Aitor Karanka against Manchester United, but the winger is back in the starting side at the Liberty Stadium.

He replaces Grant Leadbitter from the side that lost 3-1 to United, and his return means Boro will switch formation as they look to close the five-point gap that currently separates them from their opponents, who are sitting in 17th position.

Boro will line up in a 4-2-3-1 system, with Gaston Ramirez expected to start in the 'number ten' role between Traore and Stewart Downing.

Swansea are without their leading scorer Fernando Llorente, with Jordan Ayew set to lead the line in the Spaniard's absence.

SWANSEA (4-3-3): Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Mawson, Olsson; Fer, Cork, Carroll; Narsingh, Ayew, Sigurdsson.

Subs: Noordfelt, Kingsley, van der Hoorn, Montero, Ki, Borja, McBurnie.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1): Valdes; Barragan, Bernardo, Gibson, Fabio; Clayton, de Roon; Traore, Ramirez, Downing; Negredo.

Subs: Guzan, Ayala, Forshaw, Guedioura, Leadbitter, Stuani, Gestede.