TONY PULIS has made three changes to Middlesbrough's starting line-up for this evening's Championship game at Ipswich Town.

Mo Besic, Stewart Downing and Martin Braithwaite all return to the starting XI after appearing as substitutes in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Hull City.

Adam Clayton is unavailable through suspension, with Sam McQueen and Britt Assombalonga also dropping out of the starting side.

The changes mean Tony Pulis will revert to a flat back four after fielding a five-man defence at the KCOM Stadium.

Boro can claim top spot this evening if they win and other results go in their favour. Ipswich are looking to secure a first win of the season after drawing all of their Championship matches at Portman Road so far.

IPSWICH (4-4-2): Gerken; Donacien, Chambers, Nsiala, Knudsen; Graham, Skuse, Nolan, Chalobah; Ward, Jackson.

Subs: Bialkowski (gk), Edwards, Spence, Downes, Dozzell, Edun, Sears.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-3-3): Randolph; Shotton, Flint, Ayala, Friend; Besic, Howson, Saville; Braithwaite, Hugill, Downing.

Subs: Lonergan (gk), McQueen, Fry, Batth, McNair, Gestede, Assombalonga.