Boro Vs Latics Preview

Steve Bruce takes his Latics side to Middlesbrough looking for his first ever point on Teeside as a manager and looking to get the Latics back to winning ways following 3 successive draws.

With European qualification a distinct possibility Bruce can focus his side on playing with confidence and achieving what would be a dream finish to the season for the Latics if indeed we can claim that European spot

In contrast Gareth Southgate finds his Boro side 2nd bottom of the Premier League and without a league win since a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa way back on November 9th

There have been 5 draws and 8 losses since that day and pressure is now mounting on Southgate and some circles are proclaiming a loss today against the Latics and a new manager will be needed at the Riverside

Latics boss Steve Bruce:

'If we win we can start looking upwards away from the relegation zone.

'I've got a bad record on Teesside but I'm hoping we can break that trend.

'And if we get three points, with 12 games remaining, then we could even start challenging for a European spot.'

Boro boss Gareth Southgate:

'We have many of our senior players back and we know what we are capable of achieving when we have our experienced players available.

'We played very well at West Ham and we have to build on that performance.

'The three points are very important we are capable of winning them if we play as we know we can.'

No major injury worries for Southgate

Boro from:

Jones, Turnbull, McMahon, Hoyte, Huth, Pogatetz, Wheater, Bennett, Riggott, Walker, Digard, O'Neil, Bates, Shawky, Tuncay, Downing, Arca, A Johnson, Alves, Emnes.

His battle with Lee Cattermole in the centre of the park could determine which way this game will go

Valencia out with hamstring injury, DeRidder doubtful with thigh strain and Mido ineligible

Latics from:

Kirkland, Melchiot, Scharner, Bramble, Figueroa, Cattermole, N'Zogbia, Kapo, De Ridder, Zaki, Kingson, Pollitt, Edman, Brown, Boyce, Rodallega.

Time for Zaki to start scoring again and fire us on to European qualification

Last Season

Middlesbrough 1-0 Wigan Athletic
29/01/08 -
Referee Rob Styles

League games

Boro 4 wins, Latics 2, Draws 3

Mike Dean (Wirral)

Card Watch

Games - 19

Yellows - 78

Reds - 8

Heart says 0-2 Latics win

Head says 0-1 Latics win

Premier League
Chelsea Vs Latics
Stamford Bridge
Saturday 28/02/09
3pm

Latics Vs West Ham
JJB
Wednesday 4/03/09
7:45 pm

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