Arsenal v Boro preview

Gunners looking to gain Boro revenge

Last updated: 14th March 2008

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Van Persie: Pushing for return

PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: 2-0
SKY BET odds: Arsenal 1/4, Draw 4/1 Middlesbrough 8/1
One to Watch: Cesc Fabregas
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Arsenal will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they play host to Middlesbrough in the evening kick-off on Saturday.

The Gunners have drawn their last three games to let their lead at the top of the table slip and they could find themselves in second spot by the time of kick-off against Middlesbrough with Manchester United tackling rock-bottom Derby earlier in the day.

Middlesbrough are the only side to have beaten Arsenal in the Premier League this season and Arsene Wenger's men will be determined to exact revenge for their defeat at the Riverside last year.

Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of Theo Walcott as he struggles to shake off a thigh problem which forced him to miss last weekend's stalemate at Wigan.

Emmanuel Eboue is available again after serving a three-match suspension and he is set to return to the starting line-up.

Robin van Persie is pushing for a return after marking his return to fitness with a substitute appearance against Wigan.

Kolo Toure is fit again and he could be restored to central defence alongside William Gallas with Philippe Senderos making way.

Boro team news

Striker duo Afonso Alves and Jeremie Aliadiere return to the Middlesbrough squad for the trip to North London.

Record signing Alves has shaken off the illness which forced him to miss

Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.

Aliadiere is available to face his old club after serving a suspension

Boro boss Gareth Southgate could stick with Mohamed Shawky and George Boateng in midfield after the pair impressed against Villa.

Goalkeeper Brad Jones is sidelined with a dislocated finger meaning Ross Turnbull will provide cover for Mark Schwarzer.