Reading travel to the north east, still in search of their first away win of the season and the chance to break their run of eight straight defeats.
Boro have picked up in recent weeks and have put some daylight between themselves and the relegation zone, although a win for Reading would put the Royals just four points behind them.
Steve Coppell has promised to get tough after a truly awful run and is expected to make at least 3 changes.
Vital Quotes:
Steve Coppell on the recent run;
‘We’ve been disappointed, I think this is the worst run I’ve had in my career.
‘I’m embarrassed about it, it’s been a horrendous sequence of results. But after a period of disappointment, it gives you more determination to make something happen.’
Boro Team News:
Jeremie Alliadiere starts his four match suspension, after Middlesbrough embarrasingly tried to appeal his blatant sending off at Liverpool on Saturday.
Player to watch: Afonso Alves
The Brazilian was prolific in Holland and it’s only a matter of time before he opens his account for Boro.
Reading Team News:
Steve Coppell has promised changes, with Leroy Lita almost certain to play.
Jimmy Kebe will be looking for his first start and Liam Rosenior will also be hoping to play a part.
Player to watch: Leroy Lita
Personal differences have kept Lita out of the team this season. He is a player with something to prove and will be looking to make the most of a rare start.
Match Facts & Stats
Middlesbrough have lost just once in their last ten games. Reading in contrast have lost their last eight.
Reading are the only Premier League side without a point in 2008.
Ref Watch:
Howard Webb (Yorkshire)
Match Prediction:
Coppell has promised changes which should give Reading a boost.
Boro had a tough FA Cup tie on Wednesday and if Reading are ever going to win again, this is a good a chance as any.
My Prediction: Boro 1 Reading 3
Next Fixtures:
Man City (h) 08/03/08
Liverpool (a) 15/03/08
your best chance of getting something after we had a tough game midweek, although i can’t see past a boro win, im afraid.
Porb hav to agree wiv you to be honest. At the moment I’ll take anything over than a defeat tho. If copps does change it i think we might get something out of it, if not, 9 in a row i’m afraid…
Sorry Boro all the way… Alfonso to start the scoring streak and some some
Vital game for the Royals – need to get a run going and a point would be a good start.
wasn’t a classic by any means, but then boro games rarely are these days .. i think you’ll agree it was a smash and grab although i don’t suppose you’ll care .. have always thought you guys would stay up .. hope you do as you’ll be sorely missed.
reading won 1-0 a major upset but a good result for the royals in their survvial fight
Ozanne at it again talking crap.. How on earth was this a major upset? Good result fellas and boy did you need it .. hopefully your season will now start to turn for the better
and so after a dull and boring 0-0 draw both side claimed they could have one it 0-0 this games is to be