Time To Get Tough And Beat Bottom Side
Friday, 16 January 09, 06:15 AM · Comments(2)
Hi Peeps and Boro fans,
Happy Friday!
What's been happening this week at the Riverside?
Not a lot really, we are gearing up for tomorrow's big game at the Hawthorns which is a must win game if we are to start climbing up the table.
It seems to have gone very quiet regarding the Stewart Downing transfer saga. Spurs have given up on him and more importantly our man has given up on the idea of joining a team in the bottom three.
Mr Downing should receive some good news tomorrow before the game. Following his excellent performances in 2009 the Boro winger, now a 'in the whole' player, is expected to be given the captaincy.
Poggi, the club captain, is very doubtful for the West Brom game and is very likely to miss out on the bottom of the table clash. Downing will step in and lead the players out.
Off the pitch, Boro officials and scouts have been out and about across the British Isles looking at potential targets during the winter transfer window. So far, they have come across Chris Eagles of Burnley. The right-winger has been in terrific form for his current club and Southgate is interested because Aliadiere might be out for some time.
Burnley will be looking for a profit on the youngster and we might have to part with as much as £4million if we are to land the Eagle. Money which Boro do not have.
Other rumours that have surfaced in the past week are - Barry Ferguson, Steven Fletcher and James McCarthy. All Scottish meaning we must have been saving some tokens which gives our scouts a good deal at highland hotels.
One of the mentioned above is certainly a realistic target, but the other two may have been thrown in there to make up the numbers as we are desperate to make progress in the transfer market.
Fletcher is a definite possibility. A young striker that has been lighting up the SPL in the last 18 months. Again, though, we may find it difficult to prize him away from his current club. We don't have the funds to throw around anymore.
Team news for tomorrow
As I've said, Mad Dog is a major doubt for tomorrow's game meaning Andrew Taylor is likely to fill in at left back.
Digard is available after going off last Saturday against Sunderland with concussion. The Frenchman has been immense for us in recent weeks and looks as if he can handle anything that he comes up against.
There is uncertainty over whom will partner Digard in the middle of the park tomorrow. Southgate may go for Arca in there for a bit of creativity or he might go for O'Neil for bite, who is back in the squad following an illness.
The strike force will have to change for the West Brom game. We can't expect to get much if we just play Alves up front on his own. I'm tipping Mido to get a start tomorrow. The Egyptian stated he wants to saty at Boro and help fight the relegation battle. We need his experience and strength up top. He also is very powerful in the air which is a must aginst a team like West Brom.
Prediction: West Brom 1 Boro 2
Star Man: Ross Turnbull
Follow the Boro Brick Road...
*missed the last blog post? Click here to read it*
Like this blog? Help spread the word: 
-
james laville said:well i am a hardcore boro fan and i wouldnt want boro to go gdown but if we do ...
gregorysmiller said:mate if your counting on alfonso alves to keep middle up from chmpshp then you ...
-
BigBoro
Middlesbrough, GB
The one and only place to read all about Middlesbrough FC
2 Comments · Add yours
Well since we have trial Serbian kids Nemanja Matic and his frend,why not Boro go for loaning them until summer then catch them perm basic if performance good.
I've no idea why Southgate has not brought in players on loan. It is a great opportunity to do so with the lack of money we have.