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Go on Karanka - gamble on Bamford against Bees

I'D like to think Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka is a gambler.

By that I don't mean he is pontificating whether his recent fine form makes Andy Murray a great bet for the French Open or that Golden Horn is a sure thing for the Derby.

No, I mean I hope he is a man who is prepared to take a risk.

He faces a classic dilemma on Friday when his team face Brentford in the second leg of their Championship playoff semi-final and it revolves around striker Patrick Bamford.

The on-loan striking sensation has an ankle injury and it is debatable whether he plays as Boro defend a 2-1 league from the first leg.

So, does he play him in the hope that the Chelsea youngster can help Boro over the line?

Or does he leave him on the bench in the hope that his mates can get Boro to Wembley and the well rested Bamford can lead them to glory over the winners of Norwich and Ipswich?

Will he break down? Will he not feature and they don't go through?

Decisions, decisions.

I think he will play and Boro will win. They have lost just one of their last 20 matches at the Riverside and Brentford have scored just one goal against them in three matches.

The Bees' one trip to Teesside in September saw them thumped 4-0 and while a victory of that proportion would be more than is required, I can't see the visiting faithful having much cause for celebration.​ 

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