Manchester United v Middlsbrough Preview

Aitor Karanka will come up against his old mentor José Mourinho when Middlesbrough travel to Manchester United on New Year’s Eve.

The Boro manager was Mourniho’s assistant for three years at Real Madrid but this is the first time that they will have faced each other as managers.

Karanka, who earned his first managerial job on Teesside three years ago, admitted that he is looking forward to facing his old master but said ‘for 90 minutes’ the pair must put their friendship to one side.

“The first game I looked for was the first game of the season, because it was our debut back in the Premier League,” said the Spaniard.

“But the second one was Man United. It will be a special moment for me and for my players.”

Karanka has always spoken extremely highly about Mourinho, who was appointed at Old Trafford in the summer following his departure from Chelsea.

“For me, I spent three amazing years with Jose at Real Madrid and I learnt something from him every day. He is one of the best in the world,” added Karanka

“But it’s football and the points are really important for us. For those 90 minutes, you can’t be friends.”

Even so, the Boro boss will still share a drink with his old friend after the match.

“We will share a glass of wine or beer after the game, but no doubt one of us will be happier than the other.”

Team News

Boro defender Antonio Barragan will miss his first game of the season after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Burnley.

That could mean a recall for George Friend who returned to training a couple of weeks ago.

Viktor Fischer remains out with a knee injury, which the Dane sustained before Christmas.

Wayne Rooney missed United’s victory over Sunderland on Boxing Day and remains a doubt with a thigh injury.

Luke Shaw will also be absent, though Mourinho revealed that the defender is "not far" away from a return.

The Opposition

United have clawed their way back into contention for a Champions League spot after a run of five victories in a row.

Things didn’t go to plan for Mourinho earlier in the season, after United lost the Manchester derby which was immediately followed by a shock defeat to Watford.

A couple of weeks later, Mourniho was humbled by his former side Chelsea, who trounced United 4-0 at Stamford Bridge.

However, Mourinho is too good a manager and United too many good players to remain in a slump for the whole campaign.

Their switch to a 4-3-3 system, which has seen Michael Carrick return in midfield, has yielded more from record signing Paul Pogba, who has registered one goal and two assists in his last three games.

United have also tightened up their leaky defence, with Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo forming an unlikely partnership at the back.

One To Watch

At 35, Ibrahimovic remains one of the hottest strikers in Europe and his goal in the 3-1 victory over Sunderland on Boxing Day took his league tally up to 12.

The potent Swede has scored four in his last three games and, with players behind him beginning to click, he is bound to bag a lot more this campaign.

Last Time Out

Manchester United 0 Middlesbrough 0 (1-3 on penalties) – 28/10/2016

Boro recorded a memorable upset when they visited Old Trafford last year, as they knocked Louis van Gaal’s side out of the League Cup.

Aitor Karanka’s men matched their hosts for 120 minutes before the game went to penalties in front of 10,000 traveling Boro fans.

Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young all missed, sending Boro through to the quarter-finals.

Late Gray Volley Sinks Boro

Burnley    1    Middlesbrough    0

                                      Gray 80

Middlesbrough were undone by a late Andre Gray volley as they suffered a 1-0 defeat away at Burnley on Boxing Day.

In a game which lacked obvious quality, referee Craig Pawson dished out 11 yellow cards in a match with saw more tackles than attempts on goal.

Even so, Boro appeared to be heading for an admirable point in the first top flight meeting between the sides for over 40 years.

That was until Gray’s winner 10 minutes from time, when the striker fired home Sam Vokes’ knock-down and the ball squired under Boro goalkeeper Victor Valdes – who should have done better.

The result means that Sean Dyche’s side have leapfrogged Boro in the Premier League table, yet Karanka’s men are still four points clear of the relegation zone.

The Boro boss made just one change from the side which convincingly beat Swansea at the Riverside eight days earlier, it saw  Cristhian Stuani replace the injured Viktor Fischer.

It was almost turned into an inspired decision and Stuani should have opened the scoring
with just 12 minutes on the clock.

The Uraguian forward was sent through on goal by Antonio Barragan’s pass. Stuani then allowed the ball to bounce before striking a shot on the half volley, however he failed to hit the target.

At the other end Valdes had to be alert to keep out efforts from Ashley Barnes and George Boyd but neither side was able to wrestle full control.

Boro did start better after the break, though keeper Tom Heaton remained relatively untrobled.

The visitors registered their first shot on target after 60 minutes when Ramirez curled a free kick straght at Heaton.

However, Burnley delivered a late sucker punch though Gray’s strike, as Boro slipped down to 15^th in the table.

Burnley v Middlesbrough Preview

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka is looking forward to facing another ‘direct rival’ when his side travel to Burnley on Boxing Day.

Boro moved up to 14^th in the table after beating Swansea last weekend, however the Teessiders are still just one point ahead of the Clarets, who sit two places behind Boro in the Premier League table.

The trip to Turf Moor will be Boro’s first game in a busy Christmas schedule, which will see Karanka’s men play three games in the space of eight days.

However, the Spaniard insists that his players are ready for the week ahead.

“This week has been a normal week, we’ve had more days to prepare after the last game (against Swansea) and everything is better.”

Karanka described the 3-0 victory over the Swans as his side’s “worst performance of the season” in his post-match press conference but the Spaniard believes that his side’s experience delivered a positive result.

“The main thing is to have that experience (in the Premier League), like against Swansea we weren’t at our best but we won the game.”

“In September or October we would have lost that game,” he added.

Team News

Boro will be without Viktor Fischer, who has started the last four games, after the Danish international suffered a knee injury against Swansea.

Karanka confirmed the winger will be side-lined for the next “two or three weeks.”

Burnley don’t have any fresh injury concerns ahead of their Christmas schedule.

Sean Dyche’s side will be without fullback  Matt Lowton, though, after the defender picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Tottenham.

The Opposition

Since their promotion to the Premier League, Burnley have relied significantly on their home form to stay away from the bottom three.

Sean Dyche’s side have accumulated 17 points after 17 games, one less than Boro, however 16 of those have come at Turf Moor.

Their only defeats on home turf have come against Arsenal and Manchester City, yet the Clarets dismal away form has left them just three points above the relegation zone.

Goals have been hard to come by for the Clarets, who have scored just 16 goals all campaign, that is the same number as Boro. Only Hull have registered less in the top flight.

Dyche’s side have dropped to 16^th in the table after back-to-back defeats to West Ham and Tottenham. Their last win came on 10 December when they recorded a significant 3-2 victory over Bournemouth.

One To Watch

Michael Keane

Keane earned his first England call up back in October and many have tipped the 23-year-old defender to make a permanent step-up to the national side.

Like Boro centre-half Ben Gibson, Keane has played all 17 league games since his side’s promotion to the Premier and the defender hasn’t looked out of place in England’s top flight.

Keane has made 143 clearances and 27 blocks in the first half of the campaign. He also chipped in with a goal in the Clarets 2-0 victory over Watford back in September.

Last Time Out

Burnley 1 Middlesbrough 1

Michael Keane’s header in injury-time rescued a point for Burnley when the sides met in a promotion six-pointer back in April.

A win for Boro would have put Aitor Karanka’s side within touching distance of promotion, and the visitors opened the scoring thanks to Jordan Rhode’s 70^th minute finish.

However, Keane’s late equaliser left the promotion race in the balance with three Championship games to go.

In the end both teams were promoted automatically.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

 I would make two changes from the 3-0 victory over Swansea. Viktor Fischer is injured so I would bring in Adama Traore, who provides pace and directness going forward.

As well as Fabio has done at left back, if George Friend is fully fit I would bring him back into the side after his excellent performances earlier in the season. 

  

Negredo Double Sees Off Swansea At The Riverside

Middlesbrough    3    Swansea    0

                                      Negredo 18 29 (Pen)

                                              De Roon 59

Middlesbrough climbed four points clear of the relegation zone thanks to a convincing 3-0 victory over Swansea at the Riverside.

Alvaro Negredo’s first half double gave Aitor Karanka’s side a commanding lead and visitors never looked like recovering when the Spanish striker netted his second with a 29^th minute penalty.

Marten De Roon added a third mid-way through the second half, sending Boro up to 14^th in the table ahead of a busy Christmas schedule.

The hosts started slowly, after Karanka had made one change from the side which lost 3-0 to Liverpool on Wednesday night.

It saw the influential Gaston Ramirez return in place of Adama Traore, who dropped to the bench.

However, Boro almost fell behind after just three minutes, when Gylfi Sigurdsson’s dipping effort was palmed away by Victor Valdes.

It took 18 nervy minutes before Boro finally adjusted to the situation and Karanka acknowledged the pressure that his players were under after the game.

The hosts took the lead when Adam Clayton made a rare burst forward and was fed by Ramirez’s pass. When Clayton reached the edge of the penalty area he checked back and delivered a low cross for Negredo, who lashed the ball home with a first-time finish.

The burly striker received an opportunity to add to his tally when his team mates caught Swansea off guard with a quick throw-in on 29 minutes.

Adam Forshaw used his initiative to charge into the Swansea penalty area, where he was bundled down by Jordi Amat’s weary challenge. Negredo made no mistake from the spot.

The visitors rarely threatened after that and their defence was breached again when De Roon poked home Ramirez’s inviting cross.

Valdes was forced to save Fernando Llorente’s late header but it was too little too late for the visitors.

Middlesbrough v Swansea Preview

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has urged his side to forget about Wednesday’s defeat to Liverpool and concentrate of this weekend’s ‘important’ clash against Swansea at the Riverside.

After back-to-back defeats, Boro sit 17^th in the league and are one place above the Swans, who have not won away from home since the opening day of the season.

Karanka admitted that Liverpool were “much better than us”, but the Spaniard believes that his side can recover ahead of their third game in the space of a week.

“Liverpool in the second half were much better than us,” said Karanka in his pre-match press conference.

“It was a really tough game but we have to forget about that and keep going.”

Boro are the lowest scorers in the league after 16 games with just 13 goals, but Karaka isn’t worrying about his side’s lack of goals.

“Playing the way that we are playing with our circumstances and creating chances we will score goals,” said Karanka.

He admitted that this Saturday’s game against a direct opponent will be a “really important”, however Karanka doesn’t want to put too much pressure on his players.

Despite conceding 12 goals in their last four games, the Swans have also scored nine and Karanka is warry of the threat that Saturday’s opponents could pose.

“The main thing for us is to try and be as organised as we can because they are a very dangerous side.

“We have to try and play like we did against Hull.”

Team News Left back George Friend could return for Boro after recovering from a knee injury.

Fellow defender Calum Chambers suffered a shoulder injury in the second half against Liverpool, however the centre half, on loan from Arsenal, has been passed fit to play.

Karanka also confirmed that Gaston Ramirez will face a late fitness test after missing the last two games with a foot problem.

Swansea Defender Federico Fernandez and midfielder Ki Sung-yueng are both doubtful with toe injuries. Both players missed their side’s defeat to West Brom on Wednesday

Even so, manager Bob Bradley has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to the Riverside.

The Opposition

After winning promotion from the Championship back in 2011, Swansea quickly established themselves as mid-table Premier League side. However, their top-flight status is under threat this campaign.

The Swans sold captain Ashley Williams and top scorer Andre Ayew in the summer and have struggled to replace them.

After picking up just four points in his first seven games, Italian manager Francesco Guidolin was sacked and immediately replaced by former USA manager Bob Bradley.

It was a tough start for the American, who failed to register a win in his first five games in charge.

Bradley’s first win was no ordinary one, as the Swans came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 5-4 in a Premier League classic.

Their form has been erratic since, losing 5-0 to Tottenham before beating Sunderland 3-0. On Wednesday night Swansea suffered a 3-1 defeat to West Brom, as they remained in the bottom three.

One to Watch

Gylfi Sigurdsson

The Icelandic playmaker has been Swansea’s most influential player by far this season.

Sigurdsson has been directly involved in 10 of Swansea’s 20 league goals this campaign, contributing with five goals and five assists.

He can create chances from deep and arrive late in the penalty area to add a goal threat. He is also extremely dangerous from set plays.

Last Time Out

Swansea 1 Middlesbrough 0 – 12/12/2012

An unfortunate own goal from Seb Hines nine minutes from time settled a League Cup quarter final four years ago.

Tony Mowbray’s Boro side had matched their Premier League opponents in a cagey game at the Liberty Stadium.

However, they were undone by a late corner when Hines glanced a header into his own net.

Liverpool Outclass Boro At The Riverside

Middlesbrough    0    Liverpool    3 

                                                             Lallana 29 68

                                                         Origi 60

Middlesbrough were outclassed and outplayed at the Riverside on Wednesday night, as Liverpool inflicted the Teessider’s heaviest defeat of the season.

Two goals from Adam Lallana, either side of a neat finish from Divock Origi, completed a comprehensive victory for the visitors, who moved back up to second in the Premier League table.

In total Boro managed just two shots on target, as Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who replaced the culpable Loris Karius, barely had a save to make.

Boro were boosted the return of striker Alvaro Negredo, however the potent Spaniard was left isolated upfront for most of the night as the hosts struggled to break out of their own half.

Negredo was one of two changes made by Boro manager Aitor Karanka after Boro’s 1-0 defeat away at Southampton on Sunday.

The other saw Adama Traore return to the side, as Jordan Rhodes dropped to the bench while Cristhian Stuani missed out altogether.

The early exchanges played out as many would have expected and despite being the away side Liverpool monopolised possession.

Boro’s game plan, as it was against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea, consisted of getting men behind the ball and making themselves difficult to beat, while trying to pose a threat on the break.

Liverpool passed and probed but for 29 minutes Karanka’s men gave the visitors little space in the final third.

Eventually though, Klopp’s rampant side, who are the highest scorers in the league this season, made the breakthrough when Nathaniel Clyne found space on the right and the full-back’s cross was headed home by Lallana.

In contrast Boro are the division’s lowest scorers, with just 13 goals in 15 games. It was clear to see why, and even Liverpool’s vulnerable defence was barely tested.

Mignolet was one of two changes made by Klopp following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at home to West Ham.

The keeper only had one challenging save to make in the first 45 minutes, when Viktor Fischer tried his luck from a tight angle but Mignolet palmed the ball to safety.

The second half was a far more one-sided affair and Liverpool’s passing was crisp from the restart.

On 60 minutes Klopp’s side gave themselves breathing space when a neat move full of one touch passes calved open Boro’s backline wide open.

This time Lallana turned provider and his low cross from the right was met by Origi, who made no mistake from close range.

Lallana added a third seven minutes later when he was found unmarked in the penalty area before hammering the ball past the helpless Victor Valdes.

Still Boro struggled to win back possession and at times Liverpool knocked the ball around as if it was a training session.

Karanka’s side will surely receive more licence to attack when they host Swansea on Saturday. The result leaves Boro 17^th in the table and they will need to show far more ambition going forward if they are to stay out of the bottom three.

Boufal Strike Gives Southampton Victory Over Boro

Southampton    1    Middlesbrough    0

                                         Boufal 53

Sofiane Boufal’s fine strike gave Southampton all three points against Middlesbrough at St Mary’s, as Aitor Karanka’s side dropped down to 16^th in the table.

Boufal, who signed for the Saints for £16 million in the summer, provided a rare moment of quality when he received the ball from James Ward-Prowse and lashed a vicious effort past Victor Valdes on 53 minutes.

After that, Boro failed to register a shot on target and their patched-up forward line of Jordan Rhodes, Viktor Fischer, Christian Stuani rarely threatened Southampton’s charmed backline.

Once again Karanka’s men were disciplined and well-organised at the back, however this was also a reminder why they are the Premier League’s lowest scorers after fifteen games.

Their chances weren’t helped by injuries to Alvaro Negredo and Gaston Ramirez, who scored the only goal of the game in the victory over Hull last time out.

That forced Karanka to make two changes, as Rhodes and Stuani came into the side.

Southampton manager Claude Puel made five changes from the side which lost 3-0 to Crystal Palace in their last league game.

The Saints were also knocked out of the Europa league on Thursday night and there was more than a hint of anxiety around St Mary’s in the opening exchanges.

After a quiet start to the game, Boro almost took the lead when a loose pass from the hosts sent Fischer though on goal. The Danish international was forced wide of the goal by Virgil van Dijk but still managed to round goalkeeper Fraser Forster. However, after finally managing to sort his feet out, Fischer’s finish lacked power and was blocked by Saints captain Jose Fonte.

Southampton responded when Jay Rodriguez forced Valdes into action, however there were still several boos from the home fans at half time.

Puel made a tactical change at the interval, replacing Dustan Tadic with Nathan Redmond.

It proved to be an inspired decision and eight minutes after the re-start the hosts took the lead through Boufal’s brilliance.

Boro offered little going forward after that, and the visitors could have fallen further behind when Rodriguez scooped Redmond’s cross over the bar from close range in stoppage time.

Southampton v Middlesbrough Preview

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka described Monday night’s victory over Hull as “massive” and hopes his side can sustain their momentum when they take on Southampton this weekend.

The Saints will have to recover from their Europa League exit on Thursday night when a 1-1 draw at home to Israeli side Hapoel Beer Sheva saw them crash out of the competition. However, Karanka isn’t focusing the opponentions busy schedule.

“I don’t know (If playing on Thursday will make a difference) I know that we will face a really good side and it will be a tough game but I would prefer to focus on ourselves,” said the Boro boss.

Karanka also stated that his team showed “they can do more than just defend,” after dominating possession against an injury-hit Hull side.

Boro had earned plaudits for their defensive performances, which earned them impressive draws away Arsenal and Manchester City, however their lack of creativity upfront had been a cause for concern.

“I had to defend my team after some games against the big sides but against Leicester and Hull we showed we know how to play with the ball, it’s not the same playing Arsenal or Manchester City away from home and playing Hull at home”.

The win moved Boro up to 13^th in the league, four points clear of the relegation (before the start of the weekend).

Team News

Karanka confirmed that Gaston Ramirez, Alvaro Negredo and Jordan Rhodes are all doubts after picking up knocks, all will be assessed before the game.

The Boro boss also revealed full-back George Friend is training with the team again but still needs to build up his fitness, meaning he is unlikely to feature.

Southampton’s top scorer Charlie Austin will miss the game after suffering a shoulder injury against Hapoel Beer Sheva on Thursday.

The Opposition

Southampton are just one place above Boro in the table (at the start of the weekend) with 17 points from 14 games.

New manager Claude Puel has contemplated three competitions in his first few months in England, and it could be argued that the Saints’ run to the League Cup semi-final and their European exertions have affected their league form.

Puel often deploys a 4-1-2-1-2 formation with a diamond in midfield but his side have found goals hard to come by, scoring just 13 in 14 games.

Alternatively, Southampton’s defence has been one of the best in the in division, particularly their centre-back pairing of Jose Fonte and Virgil Van Dijk.

Even so the Saints’ backline was breached three times last weekend, as they were beaten 3-0 by a struggling Crystal Palace side.

One To Watch

Virgil Van Dijk

The Dutch centre half has been one of the best defenders in the league this season and has formed a robust partnership with Southampton captain Jose Fonte.

Van Dijk reads the game well and is a threat in the air from set plays. He is also comfortable with the ball at his feet and often starts his side’s attacks from the back.

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 2 Southampton 1 – 21/4/2012

Boro postponed Southampton’s promotion party back to the Premier League when they beat the Saints at the Riverside on the penultimate day of the season.

Billy Sharp gave the visitors the lead after just 47 seconds but Boro equalised though Nicky Bailey’s deflected shot.

A point would have earned Southampton promotion however they were denied 13 minutes from time when Merouane Zemmama swept home a brilliant free kick.

Middlesbrough v Hull City Preview

Middlesbrough will make their ‘Monday Night Football’ debut when they take on Hull City at the Riverside tomorrow night.

Aitor Karanka’s side sit 16^th in a congested league table, just one point ahead of Hull, who lie three places lower after 13 games.

The visitors, who only had 13 fit players three weeks before the start of the campaign, played through extra time and penalties last Tuesday as they knocked Newcastle out of the League Cup, however the Boro boss isn’t taking tomorrow’s opposition lightly.

“We know from last season it’ll be a difficult game,” said Karanka in his pre-match press conference.

“We have to avoid the risk of complacency thinking we’ve been playing well or that Hull have injuries. We have to think it’ll be a tough game and focus on us.”

The Spaniard was complementary about his side’s recent away performances but admitted that Boro need to start picking up points, especially at home.

“We have to focus on the way we are performing as if we can play against really good teams and should have won, we have to keep playing in the same way at home.”

Team News

Karanka confirmed that full back George Friend is the only injury concern ahead of the game, stating that “the rest of the players are ready.”

That means defender Daniel Ayala could return after a recent ankle injury.

Hull striker Dieumerci Mbokani will start his three-game ban after being sent off again Newcastle on Tuesday.

Fellow striker Abel Hernandez is an injury doubt, as is Shaun Maloney, however midfielder Ryan Mason could return after missing the Newcastle game though illness.

The Opposition

After winning the play-off final in May, Hull were dealt a detrimental blow when manager Steve Bruce left a month later.

To make matters worse the Tigers suffered several injuries over a terrible summer, which left them with only 13 fit players just three weeks before the start of the season.

For that reason, they were inevitably many people’s favourites to go straight back down to the Championship, however caretaker Mike Phelan guided his side to back-to -back victories over Leicester and Swansea at the start of the season.

Phelan was subsequently rewarded with the job on a full-time basis, yet things have been much trickier since then.

After taking seven points from their opening four games, Hull went on to lose their next seven, which included a resounding 6-1 thumping away at Bournemouth.

A vital victory over Southampton at the start of the month may have stopped the rot for Phelan’s men, however a 3-0 defeat against Sunderland and a draw at home to West Brom has seen the Tigers slip back into the bottom three.

One To Watch

Robert Snodgrass
The Scottish international has been Hull’s talisman this season, with six goals in all competitions.

Snodgrass scored the winner on the opening day of the season against Leicester and salvaged a point with a late free-kick away at Burnley.

He is a threat from set-plays and can arrive late in the box to add an extra goal threat.

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 1 Hull City 0 18/3/2016
David Nugent’s last minute winner gave Boro a vital three points over their promotion rivals when the sides met at the Riverside earlier this year.

With ten games remaining in the Championship promotion race, just one point separated the two sides ahead of the Friday night fixture.

Both sides cancelled each other out until stoppage time when Albert Adomah’s cross was nodded home by Nugent, sending the Riverside into raptures.

Late Slimani Penalty Denies Boro Against Leicester

Leicester    2    Middlesbrough    2

                               Mahrez 34 (Pen)                                     Negredo 12 71

                               Slimani 90+4 (Pen)

Middlesbrough missed the chance to climb away from the relegation zone after Islam Slimani’s last minute penalty gave Leicester a point at the King Power.

Boro led twice in a game that they dominated for large spells and where Alvaro Negredo ended his 11-game goal drought, which had stretched back to the opening day of the season.

The Spanish striker was a constant menace to Leicester’s backline and appeared to have earned his side all three points, when slotted home his second goal of the game 19 minutes from time.

Negredo’s first half strike on 12 minutes, following a neat attacking move, had initially been cancelled out by Riyad Mahrez’s penalty after Calum Chambers handed the ball in the penalty area.

It was another spot kick which denied Aitor Karnaka’s side with the last kick of the game, when a rash challenge from Marten De Roon on Wes Morgan gave Slimani an opportunity to convert from 12 yards.

Claudio Ranieri made just the one change from Leicester’s Champions League victory on Tuesday, as the suspended Danny Drinkwater made way for Daniel Amartey.

Clearly impressed by his side’s performance against Chelsea last weekend, Karanka named an unchanged starting 11 for the trip to the King Power. That meant Negredo kept his place upfront, despite only scoring one goal all season.

Jordan Rhodes didn’t even make the bench, amid speculation that he could replace Negredo as Boro’s lone striker.

Some had criticised the Spanish forward who arrived on loan from Valencia in the summer, yet Karanka has continuously back the potent forward and Negredo immediately repaired his manager’s faith in him here.

Boro have picked up over half of their points away from home this season and they were the quickest out of the blocks against the Premier League champions.

The visitors took the lead on 12 minutes when a forward pass from Chambers was controlled expertly by Negredo, who had dropped towards the half way line, before he rolled the ball out to Gaston Ramirez on the left-hand-side.

With space to run into, the Uruguayan then charged at full back Danny Simpson before cutting the ball back to Negredo, who had followed the move and picked up a good position inside the penalty area.

His strike may not have been the cleanest but it curled perfectly into the corner past the helpless Ron-Robert Zieler.

The Leicester keeper had already denied Adama Traore in the opening ten minutes, when the Boro winger burst into the box and drilled an effort at goal from a tight angle.

Karnaka’s side continued to threaten in the early stages of the first half and looked comfortable in possession, with the midfield trio of De Roon, Adam Clayton and Adam Forshaw outnumbering King and Amartey in Leicester’s 4-4-2 formation.

The host’s first real attack came on the half hour mark when Mahrez received the ball in space on the right and took on Boro full back Fabio. The mercurial winger then chipped the ball into the area for Shinji Okazaki, who attempted a spectacular overhead kick which clattered off the top of the crossbar.

Leicester drew level minutes later, though, when Simpson delivered swooping cross into the Boro box. The ball was heading towards Leicester captain Wes Moragn who appeared to push his marker Chambers in the back. The Boro centre half subsequently raised his arm, which made contact with the ball, and referee Lee Mason awarded a penalty which Mahrez calmly converted.

The Algerian was involved again minutes later when he squared the ball back to Jamie Vardy in space, however the striker’s touch allowed Ramirez to recover.

After weathering the early storm, Leicester improved after the break however their defence, which was rock solid at the end of last season, still looked vulnerable.

Ten minutes after, the restart the lively Traore charged down the right channel, again, however the Spanish tyro’s low cross let him down.

It wasn’t until Ranieri introduced Slimani - for Vardy - and Ahmed Musa - for Mahrez - that the Foxes began threaten Victor Valdes’ goal.

Okazaki shot straight at the Boro keeper before Musa fired over the bar moments later.

Yet the home fans couldn’t begrudge Boro’s second goal of the game when Forshaw lofted a perfectly-weighted pass forward to Negredo. Former-Boro defender Robert Huth was the man who lost Negredo and the striker instinctively ran beyond the Leicester defence before slotting the ball into the far corner with the outside of his boot.

That goal 19 minutes from time looked to have given Boro a valuable victory, however De Roon’s late challenge allowed Slimani to draw Leicester level.

Leicester v Middlesbrough Preview

Boro haven’t beaten the Foxes for 14 years in all competitions but Claudio Ranieri’s side have, so far, looked a shadow of the team which lifted the title last campaign.

Even so Boro boss Aitor Karanka, who has watched his side perform well against the Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea in recent weeks, is taking nothing for granted ahead of the game at the King Power Stadium.

“It’s dangerous for us,” said the Boro manager. “Sometimes you can forget that they (Leicester) qualified for the Champions League and won the Premier League last season.

“You just look at the table and see that they’re just one point above us. It’ll be a big mistake to think it’s going to be easy or that they’re an easy opponent because they’re down (towards) the bottom of the table”.

Karanka was also complementary of his opposite number Ranieri, while admiring the Italian’s achievement last season. “I think it’s his experience (that you can learn from),” said Karanka. “The way he won the league last season was amazing”.

Team News 

Karanka confirmed that George Friend will be out with a knee injury for three to four weeks, after the full back missed last Sunday’s game against Chelsea.

In Friend’s absence Fabio is likely to keep his place at left back.

Leicester will welcome back forwards Islam Slimani and Leonardo Ulloa, after the pair missed the Foxes Champions League victory over Club Brugge on Tuesday.

Midfielder Danny Drinkwater will miss the game after receiving a three-match ban for elbowing Watford’s Valon Behrami.

The Opposition

Leicester have won just three of their 12 Premier League games this sea

son and haven’t won in the competition since they beat Crystal Palace on October 22.

Slimani, the Foxes record signing, has been their top scorer in the league, while the goals from Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy – which propelled the Foxes to the title last year – have dried up abruptly.

In recent weeks Ranieri’s side have lost at home to West Brom and away at Watford, however their performances in the Champions League couldn’t have been more disparate.

Last Tuesday the Foxes secured their place in the knockout stages by beating Club Brugge to ensure that they topped Group A.

Despite their form in the league, Leicester shouldn’t be underestimated, especially at The King Power which was a fortress for them last season. If players like Mahrez, Vardy can refind their mojo they will be a force to be reckoned with once again.

One To Watch
Riyad Mahrez

Last season’s PFA player of the year has failed to rediscover the scintillating form that he regularly produced last season, however that was always going to be big ask after the most remarkable story in Premier League history.

Even so the Algerian has still been close to his best in the Champions League, where he has scored four goals in five games.

Last Time Out
Leicester 2 Middlesbrough 0 – 25/1/2014

Leicester extended their lead at the top of the Championship after goals from Jamie Vardy and Ritchie De Laet secured a 2-0 victory at the King Power.

Boro’s form had picked-up under Aitor Karanka, however their charge towards the play-off places was halted by Nigel Pearson’s side.

Vardy opened the scoring on 52 minutes when he converted David Nugent’s cut back.
Boro keeper Shay Given then saved Nugent’s penalty before De Laet sealed the win with a header.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

I would go with the same team which started against Chelsea, as I think playing three central midfielders gives Boro more stability away from home.

A lot has been said about Boro's striker situation in the past week, and whether Karanka should stick with Alvaro Negredo or recall Jordan Rhodes upfront.

I do feel sorry for Rhodes and feel that he does deserve more opportunities, especially when Boro are chasing a game and need a goal to get back into the game. However, I'd stick with Negredo for this game as I think he can hold the ball up more effectively and gives the side a better outlet away from home. 

Costa Strike Gives Chelsea Victory At The Riverside

Middlesbrough    0    Chelsea    1

                                                                  Costa 40

Middlesbrough are showing that they can be a match for anyone in the Premier League, yet for all the fight and will - which earned them draws at Arsenal and Manchester City - Aitor Karanka’s men were unable to get anything against a rampant Chelsea side, who moved top of the table following a win at the Riverside.

Diego Costa scored the only goal of the game, after the home side failed to deal with an in-swinging corner and the Spanish striker poked the ball home five minutes before half time.

Up until that point the hosts had kept Chelsea, who had scored 16 goals without reply in their last five games, at arm’s length, however the goal provided some comfort which Antonio Conte and his players were happy to accept.

To be fair to Boro they didn’t throw in the towel and the Blues were unable to replicate the types of performances which saw them score five past Everton last time out or four past Manchester United a couple of weeks earlier.

Like against City before the international break, Karanka’s side had a go in the second half however, not for the first time this season, they lacked some bite in the final third and were unable to create a clear-cut chance which could have altered the game.

“I can’t tell you I’m pleased with the result after we have lost the game but I am pleased with the attitude of my players,” said Karanka after the match.

“We are playing against a top-of-the-table team, so we knew it was going to be difficult. In the Premier League, any mistake is going to be punished,” he added.

Conte was also quick to praise Boro performance by saying: "We played a good game, against good opposition, and created many chances to score the second goal”.

“It's important to kill the game if you have chances because anything can happen from corners and crosses, but I am pleased."

The Italian has every right to be pleased at the moment, for his side now won six matches in a row since their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the end of September.

That was reflected by Chelsea’s team selection, as Conte named an unchanged side from the team which beat Everton 5-0 last time out.

In contrast Karanka made two changes from the side that draw at Manchester City before the international break. Gaston Ramirez returned from suspension to replace Stewart Downing.
Meanwhile left back Fabio made his first league start of the season due to an injury to George Friend.

The early exchanges played out as many would have expected, with Chelsea shading possession, but Boro were determined to at least make a game of it.

The hosts were compact and well-organised when they didn’t have the ball and the midfield trio of Martem De Roon, Adam Clayton and Adam Forshaw provided an effective shield in front of the back four.

They had an outlet in the raw Adama Traore, whose pace on the break caused Chelsea’s backline problems, however there were times when his decision making let him down in the final third.

For half an hour or so it was an even contest but the Chelsea of recent weeks are a force to be reckoned with.

A neat move on 31 minutes saw the lively Victor Moses, who has flourished in his new wing-back-role, cut the ball to Pedro but his effort was tipped over the bar by Victor Valdes.

The Boro keeper was called upon again moments later when he denied Marcos Alonso from close range, however it wasn’t long before the visitors moved ahead.

There was some controversy about the corner which was awarded when Moses appeared to slice a shot wide. However, referee Jonathan Moss deemed that ball had taken a deflection off a Boro player.

The subsequent corner hit Calum Chamber on the back and fell perfectly for Costa, who was the quickest to react, stabbing the ball past Valdes from close range.

Like against City a fortnight ago, Boro saw more of the ball after the break, yet they were unable to create a clear-cut chance.

With 12 minutes to go Alvaro Negredo, who was once again been isolated upfront for most of the afternoon, controlled Traore’s cut back and forced a save out of Thibaut Courtois.

With a sell-out crowd behind them, Boro pushed forward but Chelsea’s three-man defence stood firm.

The visitors had chances to put the game to bed but Pedro's effort clattered the cross bar, before  Valdes made another instinctive save to keep out Alonso’s low drive.

Karanka introduced Viktor Fischer and Grant Leadbitter late on but 1-0 it stayed.

Player Ratings

Victor Valdes   7- Made a couple of impressive saves in the first half, as when Chelsea began to pile on some pressure.
Antonio Barragan   6- Got into some good attacking positions from right back but was sometimes caught out when Eden Hazard and Marcos Alonso doubled up on him.
Ben Gibson   7- Another impressive display from the English centre-half who won tackles and made crucial interceptions all afternoon.
Calum Chambers   6- Decent afternoon against the lively Costa but almost got caught out trying to pass ball out from the back.
Fabio   5- Played his first 90 minutes since the start of the season and it showed at times. Struggled to get to grips with pace of Victor Moses in the first half.
Marten De Roon   7- Added steel to Boro’s midfield, as he won the ball back on numerous times in the first half.
Adam Clayton   6.5- Protected the back four effectively but was withdrawn in the second half as Boro chased for an equaliser.
Adam Forshaw   7- Gave Boro energy in the middle of the park and was quick to close the ball down when Chelsea were in their own half.
Adama Traore   6- Provided an outlet on the break but still lacks an end product in the final third.
Gaston Ramirez   6- Was unable to express himself out on the left-hand side. Made a couple of runs forward but couldn’t create anything.
Alvaro Negredo   5- Had little support upfront and was isolated for most of the game. Had one decent effort which Thibaut Courtois saved.

Subs
Stewart Downing   6- Came on with 20 minutes to go, delivered a couple of good crosses into the box.
Viktor Fischer   5- Came on with 17 minutes to go but was unable create anything in the closing stages.
Grant Leadbitter – Came on with two minutes to go, not enough time to give a fair rating.

My Boro Man Of The Match: Ben Gibson

Middlesbrough v Chelsea Preview

After hard-fought draws at Arsenal and Manchester City, Middlesbrough will hope to continue their good run of form when the welcome high-flying Chelsea to the Riverside this weekend.

The Blues have looked unstoppable in recent weeks, and a run of five victories in a row has seen Antonio Conte’s side catapult up to second in the table.

Chelsea’s revival, following a difficult start to the campaign, has come ever since their manager made the switch to his favoured 3-4-3 formation.

Since then the Blues have scored 16 goals in the league and haven’t conceded.

In his pre-match press conference Boro boss Aitor Karanka admitted that Chelsea are one of the favourites for this season’s Premier League title but remained confident about his own team’s abilities.

"I have always said the main thing for me is the performances, “said the Spaniard.

"But the best way to add confidence is to add points on the table. It's not easy to get points away at teams like Arsenal and Manchester City. We have shown we can compete against anyone."

Team News

Boro defender George Friend is a doubt after suffering a knee injury in training this week. That could allow left back Fabio to make his first league start since signing for Boro in the summer.

Karanka also confirmed that Daniel Ayala will miss the game with an ankle injury, however Gaston Ramirez is available again after serving a one-game suspension.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says he has a fully-fit squad this weekend. Eden Hazard and Diego Costa both picked up knocks over the international break but have recovered according to their boss.

The Opposition

Conte was awarded manager of the month in October after an extraordinary turnaround which has seen the Blues rise to second in the table.

Chelsea were blown away by Arsenal at the end of September and there were even reports that Conte’s job was on the line after the 3-0 defeat.

That prompted the Italian to change his formation and since then the Blues have never looked back.

Following the switch to a robust 3-4-3 system, Chelsea have beaten Manchester United 4-0 and then put five past Everton without reply before the international break.

The key has been their wing-backs, with summer-signing Marcos Alonso and the revived Victor Moses giving licence for Chelsea’s attacking players to express themselves in the final third.

The extra body at the back has given protection to the, at times, vulnerable David Luiz, while N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matić provide energy in the middles of the park.

It’s a formation which has also got the best out of Hazard and Costa. The latter has been involved in more goals than anyone this season, with nine goals and three assists.

One To Watch

Diego Costa

The Spanish striker missed his country’s games against Macedonia and England with a knock but Conte has confirmed that he will be available to play against Boro this weekend.

Costa has rediscovered his form since Conte’s arrival and Chelsea’s change of formation following the defeat to Arsenal in September.

The new system has allowed the likes of Hazard and Pedro to support Costa, who has been in devastating form in recent weeks.

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 0 Chelsea 2 – 27/2/2013

The fifth-round FA Cup tie was overshadowed by Rafa Benítez’s outburst at the Chelsea fans, who hadn’t welcomed their interim manager due to the Spaniard’s history at Liverpool.

Benítez confirmed he wouldn’t stay on as manager after the Blues’ 2-0 victory at the Riverside, following goals from Fernando Torres and Victor Moses.

After keeping the visitors at bay in the first half, Boro fell behind in the 50^th minutes when Ramires’s shot deflected in off Torres’ back.

On 72 minutes Moses put the game beyond any doubt when he converted Oscar’s cut back.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

If Friend is injured then Fabio should come in at left back.

I think Boro have to play the system that got them results at Arsenal and Manchester City, with the three central midfielders of Adam Clayton, Adam Forshaw and Marten De Roon.

Adama Traore and Gaston Ramirez should provide an outlet on the break.

De Roon Header Earns Boro A Point A City

Manchester City    1    Middlesbrough    1

                                      Aguero 43                                                     De Roon 90+1

Marten De Roon’s last minute header earned Middlesbrough a valuable point away at Manchester City.

The hosts had taken the lead courtesy of Sergio Aguero’s strike just before half time, however they were unable to capitalise on it - in a game which saw them record 71 per cent possession.

Boro, in particular their goalkeeper Victor Valdes, defended their goal valiantly but City will rue a number of chances which they squandered in the second half.

The clearest fell to Aguero, who looked certain to score when the ball was cut back to him by Jesus Navas inside the penalty area – but the Argentine skewed his effort over the bar.

Compared to City’s 4-0 thrashing over West Brom the week before, Aguero was somewhat quieter here due to Boro’s sturdy backline and the visitors were rewarded with seconds to go.

The equaliser came when George Friend bravely ventured forward from the left back position and was allowed time to deliver his cross. And what a cross it was.

As City retreated, the ball swooped into the penalty area and beyond the several bodies which had assembled inside the heart of City’s penalty area. Arriving late was De Roon, who outjumped Gael Clichy at the far post before powering his header past Claudio Bravo.

The City keeper had been as much of a spectator as the 54,000 fans inside the Etihad in the first half, as Boro struggled to pose any sort of threat on the break.

Aitor Karanka reverted to the system that earned his side a goalless draw at Arsenal a fortnight ago, with Adam Forshaw, Adam Clayton and De Room making up a compact midfield three.

Even so, Boro were far less of a force going forward compared to their gutsy performance at the Emirates. Adama Traore, who was brilliant in North London, was shackled every time he received the ball and Boro quickly resorted to firing the ball up to Alvaro Negredo, who was left to fight an impossible battle on his own upfront.

Yet for 43 minutes City couldn’t score. Kevin De Bruyne fired a shot inches wide before Valdes produced a brilliant save to deny David Silva from close range.

The Boro keeper, who enjoyed arguably his best performance of the season, was also involved in a nasty clash with Navas, which left Valdes with a painful-looking cut to the top of his leg. It was bandaged up and he was allowed to continue.

City’s goal came moments later when De Bruyne dropped deep to receive the ball, before sweeping a low cross into the penalty area. There was Aguero, who had made a well-timed run, to poke the ball home.

A goal down, Boro were far more positive after the break and Negredo received far more support after the interval. Bravo was called into action when Forshaw broke forward but the midfielder’s low shot was saved by the Chilean.

The hosts had chances too but didn’t take them. Boro made them pay.    

 

Manchester City v Middlesbrough Preview

Aitor Karanka hopes that his Middlesbrough side can replicate their performance at Arsenal a couple of weeks ago when they take on Manchester City this weekend.

After a goalless draw away at the Emirates, Boro recorded their first home win of the season by beating Bournemouth last Saturday and their manager believes that his side can cause problems for league leaders.

“It’s just about going into the game the same way that we went into Arsenal and knowing that it’s going to be a really tough game, but why can’t we do something there?,” said Karanka.

Pep Guardiola’s City side should be full of confidence after their stunning victory over Barcelona in mid-week.

Karanka is familiar with his Spanish compatriot, who managed Barcelona when Karanka was the assistant manager at Real Madrid.

“They [Man City] scored goals [against Barcelona] playing on the counter attack so maybe it’s new for Pep Guardiola’s style, but then again, they have done that before so it’s nothing new,” said the Boro boss.

“When you know how big the coach and players are that you’re up against it’s about thinking about ourselves. We have been working for three years to play games like this.”

Team News

Karanka should have Marten De Roon and Cristhian Stuani available again after both missed last weekend’s victory over Bournemouth with knocks.

Daniel Ayala remains doubtful with an ankle injury while Gaston Ramirez, who scored one of the goals of the season against Bournemouth last Saturday, is suspended after picking up five yellow cards.

City are still without Bacary Sagna and Fabian Delph who have hamstring and groin injuries respectively.

Yaya Toure could return to the squad after publicly apologising to the club.

The Opposition

City remain many people’s favourites to win the title, even though many of their players are still adjusting to Pep Guardiola’s style of play.

Before last week’s 4-0 demolition of West Brom, City had gone six games without a win and made mistakes while trying to emulate their manager’s philosophy of passing the ball out from the back.

Yet, against Barcelona there were ominous signs of the beast that City could become under Guardiola. Not only did they pass the ball with zest and fluidity, they also pressed the Spanish giants high up the pitch and were devastating on the counter attack.

Guardiola appears to have rejuvenated several players who, by their own standards, underperformed last season. The most notable of which has been Raheem Sterling, however the likes of Nicolas Otamendi, Fernandinho and Aleksandar Kolarov have also be revitalised.

Even so City have been caught out when teams have pressed them high up the pitch this season, a tactic which Tottenham and Celtic deployed seamlessly.

One To Watch

Kevin De Bruyne

It was no coincidence that City’s title bid fell flat when De Bruyne picked up an injury in the second half of last season.

This campaign, the Belgian international he has gone from strength to strength and already recorded two goals and six assists in 10 league games.

His tireless energy and quality in the final third make him a fundamental component in Guardiola’s side.

Last Time Out

Manchester City 0 Middlesbrough 2 – 24/1/2015

Boro pulled off a memorable FA Cup upset at Etihad Stadium two years ago when goals from Patrick Bamford and Kike sent City out.

After repelling City’s pressure in the first half, Boro took a shock lead eight minutes after the interval when Bamford capitalised on an error Fernando to side the ball home.

The visitors hung on and were rewarded in the dying minutes when Kike slotted the ball past goalkeeper Willy Caballero with a neat finish.

Boro Record First Home Win Over Bournemouth

Middlesbrough    2      Bournemouth    0

                           Ramirez 39  Downing 56

Gaston Ramirez scored a stunning solo-goal as Middlesbrough recorded their first home victory of the season.

Aitor Karanka’s side may have recorded an admirable draw away at Arsenal last weekend, however their supporters had not seen them win at the Riverside since April following their promotion back to the Premier League.

This 2-0 victory over an in-form Bournemouth side should help clear a lot of the descending tension, which was at its thickest following a 1-0 defeat to Watford a fortnight ago.

In comparison, this was a much-improved performance, which moves Boro up to 14^th in the table.

Ramirez’s goal was the moment of quality which Boro’s fans have craved for over recent weeks.

The Uruguayan, who worked tirelessly all afternoon, picked up the ball inside his own half before charging towards the Bournemouth goal. His adventurous run took him into the opposition penalty area, where he cut inside of Andrew Surman before slotting the ball beyond goalkeeper Artur Boruc.

The hosts added a second ten minutes after half time, when Stewart Downing poked home Alvaro Negredo’s knock-down from Adama Traore’s cross and the result rarely looked in doubt after that.

Bournemouth, who hadn’t lost in four games before this encounter, had started brightly. Their front three of Josh King, Callum Wilson and Jordon Ibe regularly interchanged positions while Jack Wilshere was always on the lookout for a killer pass.

Things could so easily have been different if the visitors had converted a pivotal chance after 26 minutes. It came when Wilshere clipped a delightful ball over Boro’s defence for King, whose shot was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Victor Valdes.

Ramirez’s goal came 15 minutes later and it always had the feel of a match where the first goal was going to be vital.

Like at Arsenal last weekend, Boro’s defence stood firm throughout as they recorded their second clean sheet in succession.

Karanka made two changes from the side which left London with a point, the first of which saw Calum Chambers replace Daniel Ayala at the back.

Downing was also recalled on the left and there was a clear switch back to Karanka’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.

That allowed Ramirez, who played on the left at the Emirates, to move back into the centre while Marten De Roon missed out.

Eddie Howe made just one change from the Bournemouth team which played out a goalless draw at home to Tottenham last Saturday. It saw Surman, who was ill that weekend, replace Dan Gosling in midfield.

There was little to choose between the two sides in the early exchanges, as Boro managed just a few shots from distance.

King’s chance was the first real opening for either team but Boro responded commendably.

Ramirez then lit up the contest with a moment of magic on 39 minutes, which saw him recorded his first goal of the season.

Boro picked up exactly where they left off after the break, as they forced two corners straight after the restart.

They doubled their lead moments later when Traore, whose pace and tricky had caused the visitors plenty of problems from the left, received the ball on the edge of the penalty area.

His cross with the outside of his boot picked out Negredo at the back post and the striker’s header across goal presented Downing with a tap-in.

Boro looked comfortable after that and Valdes barely had a save to make in the second half.

The visitor’s went in search of a quick response and almost halved the deficit courtesy of Adam Smith. The defender’s shot appeared to be heading for the bottom corner, however he was denied by a brilliant block from Chambers.

There was a standing ovation for captain Grant Leadbitter, who made his first appearance of the season - off the bench - following his hernia operation in the summer.

Bournemouth saw a lot of the ball late on, as Boro were content to play on the counter-attack. They could have added a third on the break, however Negredo and Traore squandered good opportunities.

It didn’t make a difference, though, as Boro gave their fans a much-needed lift.

Player Ratings

Victor Valdes   7- Made a brilliant save to deny King but didn’t have too much to do after that

Antonio Barragan   7- Made a couple of runs forward in the first half and looked comfortable in defence

Ben Gibson   7- Once again looked assured at this level, regularly organising Boro’s backline

Calum Chambers   7- Made several important interceptions and blocks, including one from Smith late on

George Friend   7.5- Didn’t put a foot wrong at the back and added a threat going forward

Adam Clayton   7- Protected the back four and kept a close eye on Wilshere

Adam Forshaw   7- A disciplined performance in midfield and played a couple of inviting passes forward

Adama Traore   7- Provided a threat on the break but sometimes lacked an end-product

Stewart Downing   7- Hard-working performance was capped off with a goal. Crosses sometimes let him down

Gaston Ramirez   8- Worked tirelessly until he was substituted. Capped it off with a stunning goal

Alvaro Negredo   6- Good knock-down to set up Downing, however he was anonymous for most of the game

Subs

Grant Leadbitter   6- Made his first appearance of the season and slotted into midfield comfortably

Jordan Rhodes – Replaced Negredo with five minutes to go, not enough time to give a fair rating

Viktor Fischer - Replaced Traore with five minutes to go, not enough time to give a fair rating

My Boro Man Of The Match: Gaston Ramirez