Boro v Plymouth preview

Strachan: First game in charge

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Gordon Strachan takes charge for the first time as high-flying Middlesbrough meet lowly Plymouth.

Strachan was appointed as Gareth Southgate's successor earlier this week and will be looking to make the perfect start after some disappointing results at The Riverside so far this season.

Plymouth are currently second bottom in the table but a victory could take them out of the relegation zone depending on results elsewhere.

Boro news

Strachan could hand a debut to new signing Marcus Bent after drafting the striker in on loan from Birmingham.

The home side will be without Jeremie Aliadiere, who faces six weeks on the sidelines having undergone an ankle operation, leaving an already threadbare forward line looking even more lightweight.

On-loan forward Caleb Folan is still missing with a torn hamstring, while long-term absentees Chris Riggott and Andrew Taylor (both ankle) and Matthew Bates (knee) also remain out.

Experienced midfielder Julio Arca returned to the bench after suspension for last weekend's 2-2 draw at Preston and he will again be in contention, although Strachan may opt to hand the Argentine a starting role.

Skipper Emanuel Pogatetz could also find himself with a starting place having been an unused substitute for the last two games after his recovery from knee surgery.

Plymouth news

New Zealand international striker Rory Fallon is racing to be fit after suffering a calf strain in the 1-1 home draw with Ipswich last weekend.

Argyle manager Paul Sturrock will be without on-loan Cardiff defender Darcy Blake, who starts a three-match ban after his sending-off against the Tractor Boys.

He also has problems at right-back, with David Gray doubtful after picking up an ankle injury against Ipswich, and David McNamee almost certainly ruled out after rolling his ankle in the midweek reserve-team game against Exeter.

If those two are absent, Karl Duguid is set to fill in at right-back, but central defender Shane Lowry and midfielder Jim Paterson have trained this week after picking up injuries at the weekend.