Middlesbrough v Derby preview

Boro host doomed Rams

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 21st March 2008

Football FA Cup Middlesbrough Cardiff City Gareth Southgate

Southgate: Looking for win

Skysports.com prediction: Middlesbrough 1 Derby 0

One to watch: Stewart Downing

SkyBet Odds: Boro 4/9 Draw 11/4 Derby 11/2

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Middlesbrough will look to banish any lingering fears they could go down as they host Championship-bound Derby.

It is the first time Boro have played at The Riverside since their hugely-embarrassing FA Cup defeat to Cardiff.

Gareth Southgate demanded an immediate response from his players and they responded with a couple of highly-impressive displays at Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Boro will also be confident knowing they have won their last five matches against The Rams and have not lost to them since 2000.

Derby have already accepted their fate as they sit 17 points off safety but they ran Manchester United very close last time out - showing they still have some fight left in them.

Team news

Boro will be without suspended duo Mido and Fabio Rochemback for the clash.

Mohamed Shawky is struggling after taking a knock at Arsenal, but Southgate will wait on him before deciding his midfield.

If the Egyptian fails to make it then captain Julio Arca is likely to return alongside George Boateng, although England Under-21 international Lee Cattermole could also feature.

Robert Huth and Emanuel Pogatetz are both doubts with foot and calf problems respectively.

Fit again Andrew Taylor is on standby along with Jonathan Grounds, while Seb Hines is another doubt.

Record signing Afonso Alves has a hamstring complaint and will not threaten Jeremie Aliadiere or Tuncay Sanli in the starting XI, but he could feature on the bench.

Derby are sweating over the fitness of goalkeeper Roy Carroll but are hopeful he will overcome a groin problem.

Veteran defender Alan Stubbs is ruled out, while midfielder Stephen Pearson is unlikely to feature due to a hernia problem.

Giles Barnes, Claude Davis, Tyrone Mears and on-loan Danny Mills are all out with long-term problems.