Match Prediction: Middlesbrough travel to Villa Park

Gareth Southgate was given dispensation to continue as Middlesbrough manager for the rest of the season and this weekend he brings his team to Villa Park, undoubtedly where he made his name as a player.

He'll probably not get a good reception and he'll probably leave B6 feeling like he was taught a lesson but this is football and just as he was allowed to continue as a Premiership manager, three badges away from legitimacy, Middlesbrough could sneak a point or three.

We have Manchester City next (thanks Griff, Shepster and the twelve others that emailed in) at Villa Park and I'd be happy if we had four points after both matches but I'm expecting six. This could be down to the Randylution or because we might have Smiler and Petrov back in the middle and if not probably Lee Hendrie who will want to do everything possible to prove himself.

They say in football the table doesn't lie. Middlesbrough are currently 14th and five points from the relegation zone. This is likely down to Southgate and the fact that it is his first job.

He needs time to learn his trade and I'm sure Middlesbrough see him as a long term manager; they've certainly got the quality to stay up and I wouldn't be surprised to see them finishing in the top half, maybe fighting for a UEFA cup place towards the end of the season.

We are only one of five teams still not to lose at home this season in the Premiership and Middlesbrough couldn't have come at a better time as they are yet to win and have lost four, drawing the other two.

Under the previous incumbent this would have been the match we were certain to lose simply because that's what Aston Villa did under him but under Martin O'Neill we are more likely to confirm what the table is telling us.

There are doubts over Smiler and Petrov but up until kick off there are doubts over every player. One of the many things Martin O'Neill has done is instill a belief in every player at the club that if they get picked they are going to give 110% and that they are good enough. This is what will get Aston Villa the three points this weekend.

Milan Baros and Steven Davis have put themselves in the frame to get a game after midweek displays but I suspect Sutton will continue his partnership up front with Angel to begin with.

Defensively we'll probably continue how we did last week with Mellberg fitting into right back like his feet fit into his socks. The last three Premiership matches have seen us keep clean sheets and it may be needed again on Saturday.

You know my prediction but I'm also predicting the result today. Two nil to Aston Villa and I'll go so far to say goals from Sutton and Baros. Up the Villa!