The English domestic football season is finally back – and first up, it’s the Carabao Cup that takes centre stage.
In an unusual change, the first round of the competition is being held before the EFL kickstarts their new campaign.
And in one of the opening games, Championship rivals Middlesbrough and Wrexham clash at the Riverside Stadium.
Boro just missed out on a place in the Premier League last season, losing in the play-off final to Hull City after being handed a place in the showpiece due to Southampton’s Spygate scandal.
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg will want to come out fighting again this term, and he’ll be keen to get things going with a cup win.
As for Wrexham, they finished one place outside the play-offs and reached the fourth round of the Carabao Cup last season.
Phil Parkinson’s side will hope to go deeper into the competition this time around as they eye another Hollywood story.
Middlesbrough vs Wrexham: talkSPORT coverage
This Carabao Cup first round tie will take place on Friday, August 7, with kick-off at the Riverside set for 8pm.
talkSPORT will have live commentary of the game from Mark Wilson and former Newcastle defender Steve Howey.
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The all-Championship clash will also be broadcast free-to-air on ITV, with the game also streamed online on ITVX.
Sky Sports will be broadcasting the action too.
Middlesbrough vs Wrexham: Team news
Middlesbrough will hope that star attacker Morgan Whittaker is available to feature amid interest from West Ham.
Meanwhile, new signings Sebastian Berhalter, Will Lankshear and Jeremy Sarmiento could all make their cup debuts.
Leo Castledine, a 21-year-old attacking midfielder, scored two in Boro’s final friendly.
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In the Wrexham camp, Danny Imray could start his first competitive game for the club after making his debut in pre-season.
Kieffer Moore is likely to lead the line, with Sam Smith, Nathan Broadhead and Bailey Cadamarteri all available too.
Full-back Liberato Cacace missed a lot of football last term through injury, but he should be fit to now play regularly.
Middlesbrough vs Wrexham: Pre-season results
Middlesbrough drew their last pre-season game 3-3 against Espanyol, to end their preparations with a thriller.
They lost 3-1 to Huddersfield and drew 1-1 with Scottish champions Celtic in their other friendlies.
Wrexham spent their pre-season on a tour of the United States, playing three Premier League opponents.
They beat Leeds 3-2 in their first clash but were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool and then lost by the same scoreline to Sunderland.
However, Parkinson’s men did win 1-0 against Manchester United in Finland before heading to the States.
