Hi Peeps and Boro fans,

It's definitely Friday today so I'm in a good mood. The weekend is almost here and that means one thing, football!

Lots of big games this weekend. The Arsenal v Manchester United game should be cracker at lunch time tomorrow, whilst the Villa v Boro match on Sunday will also see some fireworks. I know it is late but at least they will be cheap - the fireworks that is.

I've been surfing the net this morning looking for team news ahead of the game on Sunday and have come across some absolute belters. The Daily Mail thinks Wheater will be put on the bench on Sunday. Now that is hilarious! Why would Southgate put one of his best defenders on the bench?!

Another well-known newspaper thinks that Mido, Tuncay and Alves will all start together against Villa. That does sound mouth-watering, but I'm pretty sure that one of the three will be left on the bench.

The midfield will see a change this Sunday. I think South of the Gate will play Julio Arca in there and possibly drop the impressive Digard. Personally he should drop O'Neil. Digard has far more class about him than O'Neil. I'm slowly getting to grips with how Southgate works, he has his favourites and, after O'Neil's goal against Manchester City 9 days ago, the Boro boss will keep his favourite in the side. It's not the best way to conduct thing, but at least we're not booing anyone... yet.

Another player that is doing my head in recently is Stewart Downing. The England international wannabe is going through a bad patch of form and is constantly grinding out mediocre performances.

It is time for Southgate to get the lad on the bench for a few games and teach him that the club does not revolve around him. If Downing is selected for the Villa game, I do hope he proves me and his critics wrong by showing us what he is capable of, but if he is selected and shows us another bad side of his abilities I'm afraid he will be victimised again from the 'boo boys' in the away end.

The game on Sunday should be end to end as both teams love to get forward. I predict a score draw at Villa Park. In fact, I'm going for a Boro win. But just. 3-2.

Enjoy the game guys and girls!

Follow the Boro Brick Road...

Hello Peeps and Boro fans,

It's the middle of the week and as I'm slowly forgetting about last weekends disappointing result I start to think about the next game on my pocket sized Boro fixture card.

Aston Villa away is the next game for Southgate's players as they look to extend their unbeaten run to four games. On first glance the game looks a tough one especially as it's away from home, but I think this is a game we can win. Between now and Sunday, Martin O'Neill has the task of taking his squad to the Czech Rebublic for a UEFA Cup game against Slavia Prague.

I remember the difficulties McClaren faced when he would try to juggle his players about for the UEFA Cup games and the following league games. The team would be very lethargic going into the Sunday league games after their exploits in Europe, especially when they would be playing away from home in the Waffa Cup.

Southgate will have the upper hand if he selects the right team for this match. I think he should be bold and put out an attacking team that will cause damage with pace and creativity from the off. I'm pretty sure the changes that O'Neill makes to his team will be in midfield and maybe a change in personal at the back as well because of fatigue.

Energy levels will be a massive factor to look at ahead of Sundays game. Villa will be playing their third game in 6 days, which is sure to take its toll on some of the players. The Boro players will be much fresher than their opponents so they should be able to control the game even though they are playing away from home.

It will be interesting to see who Gareth South of the Gate chooses to face Luke Young. I'm quite sure our boss knows how Young plays and knows his weaknesses. I would stick Adam Johnson on the left wing this Sunday. AJ has bags more pace than Downing and also has the ability to turn a player with his tricks. Luke Young won't know what has hit him if Johnno gets down that wing.

So, we want to see an attacking team line up against Villa on Sunday. I'm going to keep a close eye on Villa's game tomorrow night in Prague. More news and views tomorrow.

Follow the Boro Brick Road...