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MIDDLESBROUGH v SEVILLA - THE KEY BATTLES
By Damian Spellman of Betting Zone
Middlesbrough's bid for UEFA Cup glory could depend on how well they contain Sevilla's dangerous strike-force.
Steve McClaren's reign on Teesside has been characterised by strong defence, something which deserted them earlier in the season.
But with strikers Mark Viduka, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Massimo Maccarone in devastating goal-scoring form, they head for Eindhoven knowing that solidity at one end could pave the way for success at the other.
Here, we look at the men who could have a major say in the outcome.
GARETH SOUTHGATE v FREDI KANOUTE
Southgate has been battling for fitness ever since damaging his hamstring early in the dramatic second leg of Boro's semi-final clash with Steaua Bucharest. At 35, he is hugely experienced both at club and international level, and his guidance as well as his ability will be needed to keep Sevilla at bay.
Former West Ham and Tottenham hitman Kanoute missed the decisive second leg of the Spaniards' semi-final victory over Schalke with a calf injury, and will be desperate to return for the final. He left England with a reputation for moodiness and inconsistency, but at his best, could cause the Teessiders big problems.
CHRIS RIGGOTT v JAVIER SAVIOLA
Riggott's emergence as Southgate's first-choice partner this season has seen the 25-year-old fulfil McClaren's faith in him. A no-nonsense defender who is as adept on the ground as he is in the air, he scored the vital third goal against Steaua Bucharest which set up Maccarone to fire Boro into the final.
Argentina international Saviola proved during his time with Barcelona and Monaco that he is a real danger if given time on the ball. Perhaps not the most prolific of goalscorers, but he more than makes up for that with the service he provides to others.
MARK VIDUKA v ANDRES PALOP
Viduka's importance to the Teessiders was underlined when he returned from a two-game injury absence to spearhead their semi-final heroics. The 30-year-old was in a rich vein of form when a thigh problem confined him to the sidelines, but he returned with a vengeance and his hold-up play, vision and venomous shooting power will be important weapons in Eindhoven.
Sevilla keeper Palop is revelling in his chance to show what he can do having spent six years in the shadow of Santiago Canizares at Valencia. The 32-year-old turned in an excellent individual display to keep Schalke at bay in Germany in the first leg of the semi-final, and was unbeaten in the return as Sevilla eased through in extra-time.
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