Watford v Middlesbrough Preview

Middlesbrough will switch their attentions back to the Premier League on Saturday afternoon for a pivotal ‘six pointer’ away to Watford.

Aitor Karanka’s side are just three points behind the Hornets, who have picked up just one point in their last five league games and have plummeted down the table after a promising start to the campaign.

A victory for Boro would send them above Watford in the table due to a superior goal difference, as well as mount more manager on their manager Walter Mazzarri, who became the Hornets’ eighth manager in the space of four years when he was appointed in the summer.

Even so Karanka is taking nothing for granted ahead of a crucial game, especially after Watford beat Boro in the reverse fixture at the Riverside back in October.

“Sometimes, they can be more dangerous because they need the points,” said the Boro boss.

“They are playing at home, and they are an experienced Premier League team with an experienced coach and players who have played across Europe,” he added.

“If we go to Watford thinking it will be an easy game because they are vulnerable, then we are making a mistake. If we think about ourselves, we can do something.”

Team News

Goalkeeper Victor Valdes and winger Viktor Fischer could return to the Boro side after overcoming knee injuries.

However right back Antonio Barragan and midfielder Gaston Ramirez have both been ruled out.

Centre back Daniel Ayala will serve the first of his three-game ban after receiving a straight red card against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup last weekend.

Watford could welcome back Juan Zuniga, Valon Behrami and Stefano Okaka after the trio missed games over the busy Christmas period.

Keeper Heurelho Gomes and defender Jose Holebas are available again after recovering from illnesses.

The Opposition

Watford’s last win came on December 10, when a 3-2 victory at home to Everton moved Walter Mazzarri’s side up to seventh in the table.

The Hornets’ strong start to the campaign came as something of a shock to some, after they appointed another foreign manager with little Premier League experience in the summer.

Yet Mazzarri - Watford’s eight manager in the space of four years - made an admirable start in England and within a month his side had recorded a memorable home victory over Manchester United.

That remains the highlight of their season so far, and in recent weeks the men in yellow have found things a little trickier.

Since the Everton result, Mazzarri’s side have lost away at Sunderland, been held at home to Crystal Palace, been hammered by Tottenham and crumbled at Stoke.

After picking up just one point in five games, Watford have dropped down to 14^th in the league and if their form doesn’t improve soon they could quickly be dragged into a relegation battle.

One To Watch

Stefano Okaka

After signing for Watford in the summer, Okaka has struggled to nail down a first team place at Vicarage Road due to several injuries.

However, the Italian international did score his first two goals for the Hornets in the 3-2 victory over Everton on December 10.

He is quick, strong and can be a constant pest for defenders, so Boro must keep an eye on him if he plays.

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 0 Watford 1 16/10/2016

Jose Holebas’ stunning strike was the difference when the sides met at the Riverside earlier this season.

The Greek defender produced a rare piece of quality on a dreary Sunday afternoon, when his fizzing effort ten minutes after the restart flew into the top corner.

The hosts never really looked like equalising after that, as Aitor Karanka’s side dropped down to 17^th in the table.

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.

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. 

  

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Middlesbrough v Bournemouth Preview

Aitor Karanka will take change of his 150^th game as Middlesbrough manager when his side host Bournemouth at the Riverside on Saturday.

Following a difficult start to the season, Boro are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference after nine games, however last week’s commendable draw away at Arsenal has provided a cause for optimism.

Karanka, who was criticised after Boro’s defeat to Watford a fortnight ago, put the performance down to hard work on the training pitch and the ‘experience’ that his players have gained since their promotion to the Premier League.

“Everybody is really pleased (with the Arsenal performance) but I think that it’s a reflection of the last three weeks,” said the Spaniard.

“We had a good performance against West Ham and in the first half against Watford and then Arsenal was a bigger scenario

“Everyone was expecting Arsenal to beat us easy but we had a couple of chances to score. Now four or five days later I still think that we should have won that game,” he added.

Boro will still be hoping to record their first win at the Riverside this campaign, after taking just one point from a possible 12 on home soil.

Team News

Boro came away from the Emirates unscathed last weekend and Karanka should still have a most of his players available this weekend.

Captain Grant Leadbitter is back in training after undergoing a hernia surgery over the Summer.

Adama Traore could make his first start at the Riverside after his impressive performance against Arsenal last Saturday.

Bournemouth winger Junior Stanislas missed last weekend’s goalless draw at home to Tottenham with a calf injury and will have to overcome a late fitness test.

Midfield Andrew Surman should available again, after recovering from a recent illness.

The Opposition

Bournemouth are currently on a four-match unbeaten run, which includes a victory over Everton and a resounding 6-1 triumph against Hull a fortnight ago.

Eddie Howe’s side sit tenth in the table with 12 points (after 3 wins, 3 losses and 3 draws) and it’s to Englishman’s credit that Bournemouth already look like an established Premier League side, despite only gaining promotion last season.

Going forward the Cherries’ have looked like a real force, due to their pace and movement in the final third.

At times the Bournemouth’s defence has looked vulnerable this season, however they have shown that they are more than capable at the back after keeping clean sheets against Everton and Spurs.

One To Watch

Junior Stanislas

Should he overcome a late fitness test, the pacey winger has the qualities to cause Boro plenty of problems at the Riverside.

In his five league appearances, this campaign, the 26-year-old has been involved in nearly half of Bournemouth’s goals - scoring three himself and providing two assists.

Stanislas’ traits include being able to run at speed with the ball and an ability to shoot from distance. Boro must therefore keep a close eye on him at the weekend.

Last Time Out

Bournemouth 3 Middlesbrough 0 - 21/3/2015

Bournemouth replaced Boro at the top of the Championship with an impressive victory on home soil.

Boro were up against it from the off and fell behind on 12 minutes when Tomas Kalas fouled Callum Wilson inside the area, before Yann Kermorgant converted the penalty.

A stunning second from Harry Arter doubled the visitor’s lead after half time before another spot-kick from Brett Pitman made it three.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

Adama Traore has to start after his performance against Arsenal and his pace could be Boro's biggest asset.

Playing three central midfielders worked away at The Emirates, however Boro are likely to see more of the ball against the Cherries and will probably be asked to try and break the opposition down when they have men behind the ball.

For that reason I would bring Downing back into the side in place of De Roon and move Ramirez back into the middle.

Arsenal v Middlesbrough Preview

Middlesbrough will make the daunting trip to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon to take on an Arsenal side who have won their last seven games in all competitions.

Back in May, when Boro were fighting for promotion, it’s fair to say that these were the types of away days which Teessiders’ would have yearned for. However, after a difficult start to the season, the growing need for points is becoming increasingly salient.

Aitor Karnaka’s side are only outside the bottom three on goal difference going into this weekend, and with games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Leicester on the horizon, points will be hard to come by.

Last Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat to Watford only added to the pressure ahead of testing run of fixtures. Nevertheless, Karanka delivered a bullish riposte to the criticism that his team, in particularly his tactics, received after the deflating result.

“I’ll respond in the same way I did last season when we lost a lot of games in January,” said the Boro boss.

“The way I’ll respond is to tell the critics that they are not here to train the team. They are not here to analyse the opponent. They are not her to have lunch with the players. It is my job I am the head coach.”

“I am 150 per cent confident my methods work, as I was in January when the critics said the same and everyone was asking different things,” he added.

“I can understand 100 per cent that supporters have expectations and as a supporter you want your team winning every single day.”

“But once again I can’t do my training sessions, my work, thinking that the crowd is thinking this kind of thing, the chairman is thinking that kind of thing or the journalists are thinking another.”

Team News

Once again Boro should have a fully fit squad ahead of their trip to North London.

Captain Grant Leadbitter is back in training after undergoing a hernia surgery, which has kept him out since the start of the season, but he is unlikely to be involved this weekend.

Calum Chambers is ineligible to play as he is currently on loan from Arsenal.

Arsenal will be without midfielder Granit Xhaka, who is suspended after his red card against Swansea last weekend.

Santi Cazorla is also a doubt after picking up an Achilles injury against Ludogorets in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Opposition

Arsenal have won their last seven games in all competitions and after an uninspiring start, losing 4-3 at home to Liverpool and a goalless draw with Leicester, the Gunners look like title contenders once again.

Last month’s 3-0 demolition of Chelsea was a reminder of what Arsene Wenger’s side are capable of when they are at their devastating best.

They have since recorded a couple of less convincing victories, beating Burnley at Turf Moor -courtesy of a controversial last-minute winner from Laurent Koscielny - and Swansea, 3-2, last weekend.

Even so, Arsenal come into this game off the back of merciless 6-0 victory over Bulgarian side Ludogorets on Wednesday. It's a result which moved the Gunners to the top of their Champions League group.

One To Watch

Mesut Ozil

The German playmaker is a key component in Arsenal’s dynamic forward line. His ability to move the ball quickly and create chances for others has made him one of the most renowned players in the Premier League

This season Ozil has linked up impressively with Alexis Sanchez, who has been deployed as a central striker. The German has also added goals to his game and scored his first hat-trick for the Gunners against Ludogorets in mid-week.

Last Time Out

Arsenal 2 Middlesbrough 0 – 15/2/2015

Boro came into the FA Cup tie buoyed by their victory over Manchester City in the previous round.

Even so, their chances of another upset were soon banished courtesy of a quick double from Olivier Giroud.

The Frenchman scored in the 27^th and 29^th minute, with the first coming after a brilliant team move, which saw every Arsenal player touch the ball in the build-up.

The second came directly from a corner, as the hosts ran out comfortable winners.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

With Chambers suspended I would bring Ayala back into the defence alongside Gibson.

Boro's best performances this season have come away from home when Forshaw and Clayton have played in midfield so the later should be reinstated.

Traore should give Boro a good outlet and a threat going forward while Rhodes deserves another chance after only coming on for the last two minutes on Sunday.

Middlesbrough v Watford Preview

Boro will go hunting for their first home win of the season when they welcome Watford to the Riverside tomorrow afternoon.

Walter Mazzarri’s side were only promoted from the Championship two years ago and, despite Watford’s decent start to the campaign, many will expect Boro to chalk up a first Premier League victory on home turf since 2008.

With away trips to Arsenal and Manchester City lurking around the corner, Boro’s home games against the Hornets and Bournemouth in a fortnights time should carry greater significance, yet Aitor Karanka insisted that his players can’t play with “pressure”.

“The worst thing we can do is play against Watford and Bournemouth thinking there is pressure,” said the Boro boss, whose side sit 16^th in the table ahead of this weekend.

“One thing missing is experience, we lost the first halves against Everton and Tottenham but we have to learn from our mistakes and continue to play our game, “he added.

Karanaka also spoke positively about his side’s 1-1 draw away at West Ham before the international break, which ended a run of three straight defeats.

When asked about tomorrow’s opponents, he spoke about their extra year of experience in the top flight and expressed his admiration for Watford captain Troy Deeney, who the Spaniard admitted he tried to sign when he arrived in England.

Team News

Karanka confirmed that Boro have no new injury concerns, though Grant Leadbitter and James Husband remain side-lined with long term issues.

Gaston Ramirez and Cristhian Stuani did play for Uruguay last week but are expected to be involved.

Watford defenders Craig Cathcart and Daryl Janmaat remain out with a groin and shoulder injuries respectively.

Miguel Britos and Valon Behrami will be assessed after picking up knocks last week.

The Opposition

Mazzarri, Watford’s seventh different manager in three years, has made a decent start to Premier League management after arriving at Vicarage Road in the summer.

The Hornets are 11^th with eight points after seven games, that’s two more than Boro. Last month they stunned Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United side by recording a memorable 3-1 home victory.

They also beat West Ham at the London Stadium and claimed an admirable point away at Southampton.

Even so Mazzarri’s side were tamely beaten by Burnley at the end of September and drew 2-2 with Bournemouth last time out.

Watford usually play an unorthodox 3-5-2 formation which allows wing-backs to be deployed. That allows Deeney and Odion Ighalo to lead the line.

One To Watch

Troy Deeney

The Watford captain is an instrumental figure and is likely to be the visitors biggest goal threat on Sunday.

The burly striker has scored six times against Boro and has already found the back of the net three times this campaign.

Last Time Out

Watford 2 Middlesbrough 0 - 6/4/2015

Watford won a pivotal game in the Championship promotion race two seasons ago.

Boro were top of the league with six games to go before kick-off but fell behind too Troy Deeney’s opener on 37 minutes.

Aitor Karanka’s side rarely looked like recovering in what was uncharacteristic performance. Odion Ighalo doubled Watford’s advantage with a spectacular curling effort after the break, as the Hornets moved to the top of table.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

West Ham v Middlesbrough Preview

Aitor Karanka admitted that he didn’t make any tactical changes at half time during Middlesbrough’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham last weekend.

After falling two goals behind in a miserable first half, Boro improved significantly after the break but their manager insists that was only down to an improvement in attitude from his players.

Boro travel to the London Stadium this weekend to take on West Ham, in a match where both sides will hope to improve on their recent poor run of form.

The Hammers have lost their last four league games while Boro have failed to pick up a point in their last three, even so Karanka doesn’t believe that his side need to make immediate changes.

“We have been losing games but we don’t need to change anything, just the mistakes and the attitude. We are not losing games five or six nil,” he said.

“In the second half (against Tottenham) the tactics were the same but the attitude was different and we need the play like we did in the second half.”

Team News

Boro don’t have any fresh injury concerns, however Karanka did confirm that Grant Leadbitter could return before Christmas, after the midfielder underwent a hernia operation at the start of the season.

Adama Traoré could make his first start for the club after impressing in a second half cameo against Spurs last weekend.

West Ham have been hampered by a number of injuries this campaign and will be without Aaron Cresswell, Andy Carroll, Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho for Saturday’s game.

Norwegian midfielder Håvard Nordtveit is their latest casualty and will also miss the game after sustaining an injury during West Ham’s 3-0 defeat to Southampton.

The Opposition

West Ham’s contentious move to the London Stadium hasn’t exactly gone to plan and last season’s impressive 7^th place finish must seem like a distant memory.

After moving from their cherished home, Upton Park, the Hammers have failed to acclimatise to their new residence, where they have lost twice and conceded seven goals in three games.

There were boos at the end of their 3-0 defeat to Southampton last weekend, while the crowd troubles during the 4-2 defeat to Watford earlier this month were even more disturbing.

Slaven Bilic hasn’t been helped by injuries to key players at the start of this campaign, while last season’s talisman Dimitri Payet has failed to recapture his scintillating form after returning late from the European Championships.   

Even so, the Hammers shouldn’t be underestimated and Bilic will hope that his side have learnt from their recent mistakes.

One To Watch

Dimitri Payet

The 29-year-old Frenchman was instrumental for West Ham last campaign, contributing with nine goals and 12 assists in 30 Premier League games.

Payet backed up an impressive first season in the England’s top flight by asserting himself as one of France’s key players at the summer’s European Championships. The £12.75m that West Ham paid for him last summer now looks like a real bargain.

Payet may not have started this campaign in top form, however his ability to create and score goals from both open play and set pieces still makes him a real danger.

Last Time Out

West Ham 1 Middlesbrough 1 – 20/3/2012

Boro substitute Bart Ogbeche produced a stunning late strike to rescue a point for Tony Mowbray’s side when both teams were in the Championship four years ago.

Abdoulaye Faye’s opener on 67 minutes gave promotion-chasing West Ham the lead when the defender’s effort was deflected off Joe Bennet and looped over Boro keeper Jason Steele.

However, Ogbeche’s finish six minutes from time gave the visitors an admirable point at Upton Park.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

I would bring Daniel Ayala back into the side to partner Ben Gibson at the back. It was a partnership that flourished in the Championship last season and by now they should know each other's games inside out.

Adama Traoré added some much needed pace and power to Boro's attack when he came on against Tottenham so he deserves to start.

In midfield I would like to see Boro go back the Forshaw-Clayton combination which worked well away at Sunderland and West Brom earlier in the season.

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.