Middlesbrough FC v Chelsea FC
Boro face Chelsea this weekend with an early kick off at the Riverside Stadium.
Club Form
Middlesbrough Football Club:
Played - 7
Won - 3
Drawn - 0
Lost - 4
Points - 9
Chelsea Football Club:
Played - 7
Won - 5
Drawn - 2
Lost - 0
Points - 17
Boro Team News
Boro are without former Chelsea defender Robert Huth who is expected to be out for a month.
Mido misses out due to an injury picked up on international duty. Julio Arca and Tuncay face late fitness tests, however it seems that Tuncay may have a part to play in this fixture.
Emanuel Pogatetz is searving a suspension after his sending off against Manchester United but will be back for the trip to Blackburn.
Ross Turnbull is set to start in goal with Justin Hoyte right back, along side David Wheater and Chris Riggott. Andrew Taylor has recovered from his injury and is set to start left back.
Gareth Southgate may opt to play a 5 man midfield, which could see Aliadiere on the right, O'Neil, Digard and Shawky in the middle with Stewart Downing on the left. Alves would play as a lone striker.
Another option is to play the same back 5, but with O'Nel, Digard, Shawky and Downing accross the midfield, with Aliadiere and Alves upfront.
Prediction
- Boro hopeful of Jonny Howson return for Chelsea clash
- Luke Ayling joins Boro on loan from Leeds United
oneBoro.co.uk: 2-2
Mark Lawrenson (BBC): 0-2
SkySports: 1-0