Match Preview - Middlesbrough (h)

[Jourdan]

Paul Jewell’s baptism of fire as Derby manager continues, with his first home game in charge being billed by many but not himself as make or break for the Rams’ survival campaign. They come up against a Middlesbrough side boosted by last weekend’s surprise win over league leaders Arsenal, as the 2-1 success saw them leap out of the relegation zone.

Last Time At Pride Park

Derby 0-1 Middlesbrough (2001/02)

Recent History

After bringing Fabrizio Ravanelli and Juninho to the Premier League and suffering heartbreak time after time in domestic cup finals in the ‘90s, Middlesbrough won their first ever trophy in 2004 as they lifted the Carling Cup at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium after beating Bolton 2-1.

Although they haven’t won silverware since, Boro have had some nights in remember whilst participating in the UEFA Cup in recent years. They reached the quarter finals of the competition in 2004/05 and former boss Steve McClaren guided them to the final in 2005/06, before emerging Spanish side Sevilla humbled them in Eindhoven.

McClaren left the club in 2006 to become manager of England and this paved the way for current boss Gareth Southgate to take the hot seat.

Summer Signings

After finishing in an uninspiring 12th place last season, Southgate made several high-profile additions to the squad in an attempt to gain a top ten finish this time round. An array of internationals stormed into the Riverside including Jonathan Woodgate, Mido, Tuncay and Mohamed Shawky. But also through the entrance doors were Luke Young, Gary O’Neil and Jeremie Aliadiere – all three of whom came with plenty of experience in English football. While there were high profile arrivals, the most publicised transfer activity of the summer regarding the Teeside club involved a departure as Yakubu, Nigerian international and seasoned Premier League striker headed south for Everton.

Form

After being without a win since September 1st resulted in his side plummeting from mid-table into the relegation zone, manager Gareth Southgate will have welcomed last Sunday’s triumph over Arsenal as it will have no doubt eased his fears of being sacked.

The form guide doesn’t make for pretty reading for Boro fans as they have lost 6 of their last 12 league games and stumbled out of the Carling Cup courtesy of a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham’s White Hart Lane. Three of those 6 league defeats came in a nightmare October where they lost 3-1 to Manchester City, 4-0 to Chelsea and 4-1 to last year’s champions Manchester United.

Their most recent defeat came at home to Aston Villa where Martin O’Neill’s men achieved an impressive 3-0 win. But after avoiding defeat in their previous two games coupled with Derby’s run of 6 consecutive losses, the Teesiders may feel confident of stretching their winning run to a mighty 2 games.

Predicted Line Ups

Derby – Bywater, Mears, Davis, Moore, McEveley, Barnes, Oakley, Leacock, Pearson, Miller, Howard

Middlesbrough – Turnbull, Young, Woodgate, Pogatetz, Arca, O’Neil, Boateng, Tuncay, Rochemback, Downing, Aliadiere

Ones to Watch

Jonathan Woodgate – The Middlesbrough-born central defender promised much after progressing through the ranks at League One outfit Leeds United. But after moving to Newcastle in 2003, a series of injury setbacks spoilt his time on Tyneside and his less than glorious stint with Real Madrid. After spending the 2006/07 season on loan at the Riverside and earning a recall to the England squad, Woodgate completed a £7m move to Teeside in July 2007, signing a four-year deal.

Stewart Downing – The left-winger has become a firm favourite of the Boro faithful since his first team debut in 2002. Widely regarded as the club’s prize asset, the 23 year old has remained loyal to his local club despite reported interest from more successful and fashionable Premier League clubs. Since his emergence in 2002, he has played a key role in Middlesbrough’s success in cup competitions such as the Carling Cup and the UEFA Cup and has won several caps for England.

Jeremie Aliadiere – The former Arsenal striker arrived on Teeside in the summer for a fee of £2m after a continued struggle to hold down a place in the Gunners’ first team and a string of tragic loan spells. The 24 year-old Frenchman came to England surrounded by much hype but has been largely disappointing.

Key Battles

Davis vs. Aliadiere – Centre-back Claude Davis will need to keep his cool when he faces Aliadiere tomorrow. The tall, lean and quick Frenchman is renowned for getting in behind defences but fortunately for Derby he is more likely to find the roof of a house in Alvaston than the roof of the net such is his woe in front of goal.

Howard vs. Woodgate – England international Woodgate is likely to do battle with self-confessed Geordie and the scorer of Derby’s only away goal this season, Steve Howard. The former Luton star will be hoping to double his tally of goals for the season and in the process double Derby’s number of league wins this season also.

Mears vs. Downing – Tyrone Mears, who grabbed the assist for Derby’s first away goal of the season will be the man most likely given the task of caging the influence of skilful midfielder Stewart Downing.

Oakley vs. Boateng – Tenacious midfielder George Boateng will look to ruffle the feathers of Rams captain Matt Oakley, who plays a valuable role in both attack and defence for Derby.

Odds (courtesy of Ladbrokes.com on 14/12/2007)

Derby to win – 8/5
Draw – 11/5
Middlesbrough to win – 11/8

Virtual Betting

All bets placed are in favour of a Derby win at odds of 9/5. Other odds include the draw at 12/5 and a Middlesbrough win at 7/5.

Jourdan predicts…1-0

[GresleyRam]

what a shambles again - completely toothless!! Getting pi**ed off with this now tbh!!

cant wait til january and at least change the squad around a bit!

[ramfan]

completely agree with u i was there and why had nothing ! no movement no possesion and no spirit or passion what a load or RUBBISH !!!!!!