Dale head to the Riverside this evening to take on Middlesbrough in the second round of the League Cup, so we've held our usual pre-match interview with one of their supporters.

1) Who are you and how long have you supported Middlesbrough for?
my names jack rainbow and I am a student at Manchester uni. I have supported Middlesbrough since I was around 5 partly due to family and also due to being inspired from the Europa league run

2) What makes supporting Middlesbrough different to supporting any other team?
For sure the incredible support the fans give. Being a boro fan can be frustrating as hell but we would never give up on them

3) What are the expectations of Middlesbrough supporters for this season?
Has to be promotion. Although pre season was a mess and the transfer window has not been a complete success, missing out on targets and also losing key players, the experience and tactical knowhow pulis provides has hugely improved our teams performance, and the fantastic start with 13 points from 15 is evident to that

4) Is pushing for promotion to the Premier League the right place in the football pyramid for Boro?
yeah for sure. I personally believe boros place is as a premier league club and hopefully over the next year we get back there

5) How do Boro fans feel towards Tony Pulis?
Mostly positive though is too mixed for my liking! The difference in our level of defending has been incredible since pulis came in and monk left. We have currently not conceded in 4 games and do have goals in us even if we don't play the most attractive style. Any boro fan with sense loves the guy but theres always those who obsess with style rather than look at the end product of a tony pulis side which is to be efficient and tough in both boxes

6) Is the League Cup something Middlesbrough are likely to be taking seriously with a full strength side?
I doubt it. The squad is thin right now and you would expect the young players to get a chance realistically. Expect a similar side to that who played in pre season with the likes of 16 year old Nathan wood and talented but raw wingers such as Tavernier

7) It’s our first visit to the Riverside. Any tips for us first time visitors?
Grab a pie at half time they are lovely

8) Who will be the biggest threat to us on Tuesday night?
Probably Ashley fletcher. He has been in great form up top and scored twice against Notts county. Winger wise Tavernier who is 100% a name you will be hearing more from in the future. Realistically though if you look back at our side for the first round match you will see that Rochdale have a hell of a chance

9) Any thoughts on Rochdale?
Was impressed by the spirit in pre season to come from 0-2 down to win 3-2. Seem a decent hard working squad who may lack talent in areas but make up for it in industry and grit. Very impressed by the performance against spurs in the FA cup last season

10) Predictions for the game?
I am gunna have to go for a 1-1 draw and boro on penalties. Every chance of an upset here due to the likely youthfulness to our side but hopefully the boys will have enough to get through. If the pre season game is anything to go by will be entertaining

Photo: Action Images

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