11:57am Friday 12th February 2010
By Will Scott
MIDDLESBROUGH
Coyne
Naughton McManus Pogatetz Grounds
Flood O'Neil Robson Franks
Miller McDonald
Boyd Mackail-Smith
Rowe Whelpdale Livermore Mclean
Williams Morgan Bennett Frecklington
Lewis
PETERBOROUGH
Boro subs: Lita, Steele (gk), McMahon, Taylor, L Williams, Park, Killen, Pilatos.
Peterborough subs: McKeown (gk), Gilbert, Griffiths, Geohaghan, Lee, Simpson, Reid.
MIDDLESBROUGH: David Wheater has told Gordon Strachan that he is fit to play but he might not be risked with the knee problem which
prevented him from training most of this week. Strachan must also decide whether to risk skipper Gary O'Neil, who has been suffering from a groin problem
ahead of three matches in eight days. Jeremie Aliadiere has returned to training after a hamstring strain but is unlikely to start. Chris Killen is
also doubtful with a groin problem.
Injuries: Killen (groin), Williams (pelvic), Wheater (knee), Arca (toe), Riggott (hamstring), Aliadiere (ankle), Hines (ankle), Bates (knee)
Suspensions: None
Last five league games: WDDWD
Leading league scorer: McDonald 14 (14 for Celtic)
Next game: Blackpool (A) 16/02/10
PETERBOROUGH: Manager Jim Gannon insists that his struggling side will offer tough opposition despite their chances of survival taking a battering in recent weeks. But striker
Izale McLeod, on loan from Chartlon Athletic and Arsenal full-back Kerrea Gilbert are doubts this afternoon while central defender Gaby Zakuani has been ruled out again.
Injuries: Zakuani (groin)
Suspensions: none
Last five league games: LWLLL
Leading league scorer: Boyd 9
Key player: Craig Mackail-Smith - goalscoring midfielder
Last season: n/a
League head to head: Boro 2, Peterborough 2, draws 1
Referee: Jon Moss (Leeds) G24 Y84 R6 Av:3.75
Last Boro game: v Derby County (A) W2-0, 20/10/09, Y5 R0
Odds: H4/7; A4/1; D5/2
It's a fact: This is only the second season since 1966-67 that Boro have faced Peterborough in a league fixture.
Comment by Will Scott: After showing a new style and approach against Barnsley, Boro should have too much for Peterborough.
Prediction: 2-0
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk