Boro v West Brom preview

Mowbray returns to Middlesbrough

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 26th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Boro v West Brom preview

Mowbray: Boro legend

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: Boro 1 West Brom 1

SKY BET odds: Middlesbrough 8/11 Draw 5/2 West Brom 4/1

One to Watch: James Morrison

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Middlesbrough are looking to bounce back to form as they host West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

The Baggies travel to The Riverside coming off the back of defeat to local rivals Aston Villa.

Similarly Boro's last league result saw them go down at Sunderland, whilst they also suffered defeat in the Carling Cup against Manchester United in midweek.

Boro are guarding an unbeaten home record this term and history is very much on their side.

West Brom have not tasted victory on Teesside for over half a century, indeed The Baggies have beaten Boro just once - home or away - in the last 25 years.

After winning the manager of the month award for August - the curse has well and truly struck Gareth Southgate, as he has lost every game since claiming the honour.

He will be determined to make amends for that against The Baggies. The match itself also has added spice given West Brom are managed by Boro legend Tony Mowbray.

Mowbray, who is sure to receive a good reception from the Riverside faithful, captained his hometown team at just 22 and spent nine years with the club before leaving for Celtic.

It is the second time as a manager that Mowbray has taken a team to Boro, having secured a 2-2 draw in an FA Cup fifth round tie in February 2007.

Team news

Injury wise Boro are bolstered by the return of top-scorer Mido - who was forced out of the Sunderland defeat with a groin strain, but he is now fit.

Tuncay Sanli remains sidelined, whilst captain Emanuel Pogatetz begins his three-match suspension following his dismissal at Old Trafford.

With Pogatetz sidelined, Robert Huth looks set to return to partner David Wheater in the heart of the defence.

Ross Turnbull and Brad Jones have both featured over the past week, but the former is set to win the battle for the No.1 jersey this week.

Adam Johnson, who scored against United, and fit-again Julio Arca will also be pressing to start the match - Didier Digard and/or Mohamed Shawky most likely to make way.

For The Baggies, one of their former Boro contingent - Chris Brunt - will miss the chance to feature against his old club.

But Jonathan Greening and James Morrison should both come up against their ex-employers.

With Brunt sidelined, South Korean Kim Do-heon is favourite to come in, while defender Abdoulaye Meite is also ruled out with a calf injury.

Dutch defender Ryan Donk is in line to make his debut after Leon Barnett struggled against Villa.

Possible starting XIs

Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Hoyte, Wheater, Huth, Taylor, Aliadiere, O'Neil, Digard, Downing, Alves, Mido

West Brom Carson, Zuiverloon, Donk, Olsson, Robinson, Borja Valero, Morrison, Koren, Greening, Kim Do-Heon, Bednar