Boro v Pompey preview

Boro looking to secure top-flight status

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 2nd May 2008

Gareth Southgate Middlesbrough FA Cup Cardiff

Southgate: Pompey test

Skysports.com prediction: Middlesbrough 2 Portsmouth 1

One to watch: Afonso Alves

SkyBet odds: Boro evens Draw 9/4 Pompey 3/1

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Middlesbrough host Portsmouth on Saturday still needing a victory to ensure their Premier League survival.

Portsmouth still have faint hopes of making fifth place, but their thoughts are more than likely to be on the FA Cup final in two weeks.

Boro need to bounce back from the disappointment of their derby loss to Sunderland last week and Gareth Southgate knows an improved performance is needed.

However, history is not on Boro's side and Portsmouth have a wonderful history at The Riverside as they have never lost during their five visits.

But Boro are looking to do the double over Pompey after having won at Fratton Park earlier in the season.

Team news

Chris Riggott has been recalled from his loan spell at Stoke by Southgate

Riggott returned to Teesside with Southgate facing up to the prospect of having to do without Robert Huth (foot) once again and concerns over a series of knocks.

Boro are almost certain to make changes with goalkeeper Brad Jones highly likely to step down with Mark Schwarzer and Ross Turnbull both now fully fit.

Jeremie Aliadiere is also hoping for a start after recovering from the dead-leg which ruled him out of the match against Sunderland.

Mohammed Shawky and Fabio Rochemback are also pushing for recalls into midfield.

Gary O'Neil and Mido remain sidelined.

With one eye on the cup final, Harry Redknapp will not be fielding his strongest XI on Teesside.

One player who will feature is the cup-tied Jermain Defoe, who cannot play against Cardiff at Wembley.

Milan Baros will be handed the chance to partner Defoe, with Kanu likely to be rested and David Nugent having to settle for a place on the bench.

Redknapp also has a decision to make at left-back where Lauren has been deputising for Hermann Hreidarsson, but the Icelander is now fit again.