Middlesbrough v Tottenham Preview

Aitor Karanka has urged his player to ‘fix the mistakes’ which have cost Middlesbrough in their last two games.

Boro have conceded five goals while suffering back-to-back defeats to Crystal Palace and Everton, however Karanka still believes that his side have made a good start to the campaign after five game.

“The only game that we were a little bit off was the last 60 minutes of the last game (against Everton),” he said.

“The first game (against Stoke) we should have won the game, the second game we beat Sunderland, against West Brom we weren’t better than them but we were comfortable on the pitch and against Crystal Palace, if it wasn’t for a mistake, we should have at least drawn the game,” he added.  

The defensive mistakes which Karanka, an ex-defender himself, alluded too were also an issue against Everton last weekend, though the Spaniard didn’t specify whether he would make changes ahead of this Saturday’s game at home to Tottenham.

He did confirm that new arrivals Calum Chambers, on loan from Arsenal, and Bernardo Espinosa are ready to make their first starts in defence and reiterated the fact that he has 22 players competing for places.

Karanka, a serial winner as a player at Real Madrid and as a manager in the Championship, was also asked about the prospect of losing games in England’s top division, to which he responded: “It’s true that the last few years I have always been fighting to win something”.

“This season is the first season when I am losing games but we have to keep going and stay confident,” he added.

Team News

Karanka confirmed that Cristhian Stuani and Jordan Rhodes are available again after both missed Boro’s 3-1 defeat away to Everton with groin and knee injuries respectively.

Tottenham will be without last season’s top scorer Harry Kane, who sustained an ankle injury against Sunderland last weekend. Dutchman Vincent Janssen or Son Heung-min are the most likely forwards who could replace the Englishman upfront.

Left back Danny Rose, who missed last weekend’s game, is still struggling with a hamstring problem and is therefore a doubt. Assessments will be made on the fitness of Mousa Dembele and Eric Dier after both suffered with cramp in Spurs’ 1-0 victory over Sunderland.

The Opposition

Tottenham have backed up last season’s title challenge by taking a very commendable 11 points from their first five games.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side remain unbeaten in the league after three wins and two draws, and the early signs suggest that another top four finish is a real possibility.

They have added to their squad over the summer, with Victor Wanyama adding power solidity in midfield, while Vincent Janssen- last season’s top scorer in Holland’s top division- should provide a good alternative to the currently side-lined Harry Kane.

Moussa Sissoko’s £30 million arrival may have come as a shock to those who watched him at Newcastle last season, however if the Frenchman can recapture the form that he showed for his country at the Euros this summer then he could also prove a useful addition.

Pochettino must also decide whether to prioritise Tottenham’s Champions League game away at CSKA Moscow on Tuesday, so squad rotation may be a factor at the Riverside.

One To Watch

Christian Eriksen

The Danish midfielder has recently signed a new contract at White Hart Lane and will arrive at the Riverside in good form after scoring twice against Gillingham in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

Eriksen is a threat from set plays, especially free kicks, and can often cause problems for opposition defences by drifting in and out on to the wing.

Last Time Out

Tottenham 4 Middlesbrough 0 – 4/3/2009

Boro’s fight against relegation wasn’t helped by a dismal day in North London.

Gareth Southgate’s side were never in the game against a rampant Spurs side, who took the lead after nine minutes though Robbie Keane.

Roman Pavlyuchenko made it 2-0 five minutes later before two goals from Aaron Lennon completed the scoring for Harry Redknapp’s team.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

Boro have made some defensive mistakes in the last two games but I still think it's too early to make wholesale changes at the back.
They lacked a goal threat away at Everton so I would like to see Stuani return to the side. Adam Clayton also sat out at Goodison Park and his presence could be important in midfield.

Everton Outclass Boro To Go Second In The Table

Everton   3    Middlesbrough   1

                                Barry 24 Coleman 42                            Stekelenburg (OG) 21

                                       Lukaku 45

Boro received a harsh reality check at Goodison Park on Saturday after they were convincingly beaten 3-1 by an in form Everton side.

Aitor Karanka admitted before the game that the Toffees would be his side’s toughest test of the season, following games against Stoke, Sunderland, West Brom and Crystal Palace, and so it turned out as Ronald Koeman’s men coasted to their fourth victory in five league games.

Romelu Lukaku celebrates Everton's third goal

(Picture from Sky Sports)

In truth it was always going to be a big ask for Boro return to Teesside with a point, against a side which many are now tipping to challenge for a European place.

The score line was no disgrace, especially after Everton’s 3-0 demolition of Sunderland five days earlier.

However, it was the manor of the defeat that may come as a slight concern. In the second half Boro barely laid a glove on their opponents and even appeared content to simply try and keep the score down after falling two goals behind at half time.

It had all started so well too, but after a controversial own goal from Everton keeper Maarten Stekelenburg, when he appeared to be fouled by Alvaro Negredo, there was only one team in it.

Gareth Barry fittingly marked his 600^th Premier League appearance with an abrupt equaliser before Seamus Coleman and Romelu Lukaku provided the hosts with a buffer before the interval.

Like against Palace, Boro’s defending, which was their major strength in Championship last campaign, could have been questioned for each goals they conceded - though it should be remembered that this is the Premier League where teams are far less forgiving.

Karanka made three changes from the side which was beaten by Palace last time out. Marten De Roon replaced Adam Clayton in midfield while Gaston Ramirez and Emilio Nsue also came in for Viktor Fischer and the injured Cristhian Stuani.

After a quiet opening 20 minutes, in which there was only one shot on target from Ross Barkley, Boro took a surprising lead.

Negredo only had eyes for the ball when he leaped to head George Friend’s cross from the left. Even so, Stekelenburg appeared to catch the ball before he was hit by the potent striker, and the ball ended up in the net.

The sense of injustice seemed to ignite the hosts, who drew level just three minutes after falling behind.

Kevin Mirallas’ corner was flicked on by Ashley Williams, who could also have been penalised for a foul Boro keeper Victor Valdes, and Barry swept the ball home.

Everton took control after that, as the exceptional Idrissa Gueye ran the midfield. They went ahead three minutes before half time after Coleman played a neat one-two with Lukaku before side-footing the ball past Valdes inside the area.

Lukaku added his fourth goal in a week when his outstretched right boot glanced Yannick Bolasie’s cross home for a third on the stroke of half time.

Boro brought on Fischer and David Nugent in the second half but had no response.

Everton v Middlesbrough Preview

Aitor Karanka admitted that this Saturday’s trip to Everton will be Boro’s toughest test of the season so far but insisted that his side have had time to recover after losing to Crystal Palace.

Boro’s 2-1 defeat to Palace was their first since their return to the top flight, following a three game unbeaten run against Stoke, Sunderland and West Brom.

On paper Everton look likely to be an even tougher test, after making an impressive start under new manager Ronald Koeman and taking 10 points from their first four fixtures.

The Toffees produced an ominous display last time out with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sunderland, which saw lusty forward Romelu Lukaku bag a hat-trick.

Despite that, Karanka, who attended the game at the Stadium of Light, voiced that there was no need to panic ahead of the game at Goodison Park.

“I said after the Sunderland game that we shouldn’t get carried away and now (after the Palace defeat) there is no need to panic,” said the Boro boss.

“This season is much better because we have more days to forget and work on the training pitch than when we were in the Championship,” he added.

Karanka also expressed that his side should be better prepared to deal with Lukaku after coming up against a similar player in Christian Benteke last weekend.

“Benteke and Lukaku are very similar players but it is important that we stop the source . It’s not just a job for the defenders but the whole team.”

Karanka also spoke about his admiration for Everton boss Ronald Koeman, both as a manager and as a player.

The Dutchman made 192 appearances for Barcelona in his playing days and is best known in England for a successful two-year spell at Southampton.

This summer he made the switch to Merseyside and appears the have hit the ground running.

Team News

Karanka confirmed that that forwards Jordan Rhodes and Cristhian Stuani are both doubtful after picking up knee and groin injuries respectively.

Gaston Ramirez should return after starting on the bench against Palace, following his involvement with Uruguay during the international break.

Everton don’t have any fresh injuries after their victory over Sunderland, though Enner Valencia could make his debut after signing on loan from West Ham.

Meanwhile Gareth Barry is in line to make his 600th Premier League appearance.

The Opposition

After a dismal end to last season, which saw the end of Roberto Martinez, there is some renewed optimism at Goodison Park following Koeman’s appointment this summer.  

The Toffees have won three of their first four league games, beating West Brom, Stoke and Sunderland after drawing with Tottenham on the opening day.

Everton have conceded just two goals in those games and have looked a far better defensive unit through a combination of Koeman’s tactics and the signing of centre back Ashley Williams from Swansea.

They have strengthened further forward as well, with midfielder Magaye Gueye, a £7 million signing from Aston Villa, providing energy alongside the experienced Garth Barry.

Some may have raised an eyebrow at the £30 million capture of Yannick Bolasie from Crystal Palace, however the mercurial winger has made a good first impression and looks like he can provide good service for the potent Lukaku.

One To Watch

Romelu Lukaku

The Belgian striker hadn’t scored for Everton for six months before his hat-trick against Sunderland but appears to have recaptured some form.

At the end of last season Lukaku lost his confidence under Martinez and looked set to leave Everton, following his £28 million move back in 2014.

Now, though, he looks set to stay. And with the likes of Bolasie, Gerrard Delefeou and Kevin Mirallas, providing him with service, the powerful forward will be expected to be one of the league’s top scorers once again.

Last Time Out - 1/12/2015

Middlesbrough 0 Everton 2

The Toffees were worthy winners when the sides met in the quarter-final of the Capital One Cup last year.

First half goals from Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku put the visitors in full control as they reached the last four in front a packed out Riverside.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

As well as Adam Forshaw played in the last two games, I feel that Adam Clayton and Marten De Roon will be our strongest midfield partnership this season.

The back four and goalkeeper will probably stay the same while Gaston Ramirez should return in the number 10 position.

Stuani's injury leaves a vacant position on the right hand side so I would go with Adama Traore after his 10 minutes cameo against Palace.

Boro's Unbeaten Start Comes To An End After Zaha Strikes The Winner For Palace

Middlesbrough    1        Crystal Palace    2

  Ayala 38                                                          Benteke 15 Zaha 47

Aitor Karanka’s Middlesbrough were given a wakeup call as they suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Crystal Palace.

Boro had made an admirable start to the season following their promotion back to the Premier League, taking five points from their first three games, however they were unable to extend that run as they stuttered to a 2-1 defeat at the Riverside.

Wilfred Zaha celebrates Palace's second goal

(Picture from Sky Sports) 

Palace were a side who were lacking in confidence, after recording just two league wins in the whole of 2016. Yet they were buoyed by their new £32 million striker Christian Benteke – who opened the scoring with a header after just 15 minutes.

From that standpoint it was an opportunity missed for the hosts, who allowed their opponents to settle early on, while also lacking cohesion and creativity in the opening 45 minutes.

Daniel Ayala’s powerful header before half time gave Karanka’s side a chance to recover. However, a rare error from captain George Friend allowed Wilfred Zaha to restore the visitor’s lead just minutes after the interval.

That proved to be a decisive moment as Palace held on to claim their first victory of the season.

Boro had a couple of late shouts for a penalty, two of which for handball, though referee Neil Swarbrick waved them all away.   

Karanka made three changes from the goalless stalemate away at West Brom a fortnight ago, the first of which came in goal where Victor Valdes returned.

George Friend also came back into the side and retook the captain’s armband after he missed the trip to the Hawthorns through injury.

The final change came in the number 10 position where Viktor Fischer made his first start in place of Gaston Ramirez, who played 87 minutes for Uruguay in mid-week.

Palace manager Alan Pardew also made three alterations after their 1-1 with Bournemouth last time out. Pape Souare, Yohan Cabaye and Connor Wickham all dropped out while Martin Kelly, Joe Ledley and Wilfried Zaha took their places.

It was Zaha, a lively figure throughout, who created the opening goal after 15 minutes, when his in-swinging cross picked out Benteke at the far post.

The Belgian international met the delivery with a powerful header across goal, outjumping Ayala in the process.

Andros Townsend also looked a threat down Palace’s left, and he almost doubled the visitors lead after forcing Valdes into a full stretch save on 23 minutes.

That followed an earlier effort when the England international cut inside on to his right foot, only to see his effort blocked by Ben Gibson.

In comparison Boro’s passing was often lethargic and at times wasteful, as they rarely looked like creating anything from open play.

Stewart Downing, who started on the left but gradually drifted infield, appeared the most likely to create an equaliser and on 37 minutes he forced a corner which Boro used to good effect.

Downing took it, and his out-swinging delivery from the left was met by a strong leap from Ayala. Palace keeper Steve Mandanda manged to get a hand on the defender’s header but he couldn’t keep it out.

The tables almost turned completely on the stroke of half time. Fischer, who had been quiet in the first half, set up Alvaro Negredo with a cutting pass but Mandanda saved the striker’s effort at his near post.

The visitors retook the lead two minutes after the restart. Friend appeared to have negated a Palace attack but then took a heavy touch which allowed Zaha to pounce. The pacey winger took full advantage, side footing the ball beyond Valdes with a neat finish.

Boro responded, and almost drew level when Downing rifled an effort inches wide from the edge of the area. Moments later Gibson tried his luck from range, forcing Mandanda to make a flying save.

De Roon and Ramirez were introduced on the hour mark and the latter immediately livened up proceedings- although his cross from the left was overhit when Negredo was waiting in the middle.

Ayala then came close to adding a second goal to his name but headed another Downing corner just over the bar.

New signing Adama Traore made his debut with a nine-minute cameo, as the hosts searched for an equaliser.

There were a couple of late penalty appeals, the first of which came when Scot Dann appeared to handle Downing’s cross inside the area.

Then, in the dying moments, Ramirez was fouled on the edge of the area but Swarbrick awarded a free kick rather than a spot kick.

Eventually the time ran out and Boro’s unbeaten start went with it.

Player Ratings

Victor Valdes   5.5- Allowed Benteke’s header to go in across his goal, made a decent save from Townsend in the first half.

Antonio Barragan   6- Got forward in the first half but his crosses were often inaccurate.

Daniel Ayala   6.5 - Outjumped for the goal but had a solid game after that, strong in the air and scored the equaliser.

Ben Gibson   6.5- Stuck to his task at the back, almost scored a stunning equaliser but Mandanda saved.

George Friend   5- Made a rare mistake to gift Palace a goal, struggled to cope with Zaha for most of the afternoon.

Adam Clayton   5- Subbed after an hour as Boro pushed for an equaliser.

Adam Forshaw   6- Kept the ball moving but struggled to create much from midfield.

Stewart Downing   7- Boro’s brightest spark, looked like he could make something happen when he received the ball.

Cristhian Stuani   5- Failed to have an impact on the right, subbed on 81 minutes.

Viktor Fischer   5.5- Struggled to get on the ball in the number 10 position, produced a probing pass to Negredo late in the first half.

Alvaro Negredo   5.5 - Received little service, best chance came before half time but Mandanda saved his effort.

Subs

Marten De Roon   6- Moved Boro up the pitch when he came on with half an hour to go.

Gaston Ramirez   6.5- Livened up Boro’s attack in the final half an hour.

Adama Traore – Came on for the last nine minutes, not enough time to give a fair rating.

My Boro Man Of The Match: Stewart Downing

Middlesbrough v Crystal Palace Preview

Aitor Karanka believes that last week’s international break came at the ‘right moment’ despite Boro’s unbeaten start to the season.

Boro had taken five points from their first three league games before the hiatus, however their manager insists that his side have still had a good week.

The Teessiders will have key players Victor Valdes, George Friend and Marten De Roon back from injury for this Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace at the Riverside.

Karanka will be faced with a selection headache, with new signings Calum Chambers and Adarma Traore both pushing for a start.

It’s a problem that the Spaniard is welcoming, saying: “It’s nice and I’m very pleased, I prefer to have this type of problem that only having 10 or 12 players.”

“The most difficult thing about my job is to try and keep players happy, but I don’t want players to be happy if they are not playing,” he added.

The Boro boss admitted that Palace will probably be a stronger side than what they were at the start of the season, following their business in the transfer market and the £32 million capture of Christian Benteke.

Team News

Karanka confirmed that he will have a fully fit squad to choose from this weekend, after the international break allowed Friend, De Roon and Valdes to recover from injuries.

Gaston Ramirez and Cristhian Stuani both represented Uruguay this week and only returned on Friday so both could be rested.

Grant Leadbitter, James Husband and Fabio are still out with long term issues.

Palace manager Alan Pardew should have James McArthur available after the midfielder pulled out of the Scotland squad last week.

Frenchman Yohan Cabaye is doubtful groin problem, while new signing Loic Remy is expected to be side-lined for around two months after sustaining an injury in training.

Mathieu Flamini is expected to travel with the squad after signing on a free agent this week, however the midfielder may not be fit enough to start.

The Opposition

Palace have endured a miserable 2016 in the league and have recorded just two wins since the turn of the year.

If it wasn’t for a run to the FA Cup final in May then manager Alan Pardew could be facing questions about his future, after leading Palace to a tenth place finish in the 2014/15 campaign.

This season has also started sluggishly, with The Eagles taking just one point from three games after drawing at home to Bournemouth last time out.

Prior to that 1-1 draw, Pardew’s side suffered 1-0 defeats to West Brom and Tottenham.

Even so, Palace have strengthened this summer and Pardew will hope that Benteke is the answer to his side’s lack of goals.

They have pace on the counter attack through the likes of Wilfred Zaha and Andros Townsend, while goalkeeper Steve Mandanda and centre half James Tomkins should improve their defence after signing this summer.

One To Watch

Scott Dann

Dann was one of the most consistent centre halves in the Premier League last campaign and it could be argued that he was unfortunate not to get an England call-up in the summer.  

He is prolific in the air and can pose a series goal threat from set plays.

Dann scored Palace’s equaliser against Bournemouth a fortnight ago with a powerful header - it is their only goal of the season so far.

Last Time Out

Crystal Palace 4 Middlesbrough 1 – 16/2/2013

Boro suffered a dismal day at Selhurst Park when both teams were fighting for promotion in the Championship.   

Glenn Murray opened the scoring after eight minutes for Ian Holloway’s side, who then doubled their lead though Peter Ramage after half time.

Murray added a third minutes later, before Faris Haroun pulled one back for Tony Mowbray’s visitors.

Kevin Phillips made 4-1 eight minutes from time.