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CHARLTON v MIDDLESBROUGH - SOUTHGATE TARGETS CHARLTON VICTORY
Middlesbrough fell a point short of manager Gareth Southgate's target over the festive period and he has urged his players to respond by lifting themselves clear of danger with a win at Charlton.
Gareth Southgate's men collected seven points from a possible 12 during the holiday period, beating the struggling Londoners and Sheffield United at home and taking a point at Everton to ease themselves away from the developing scrap for survival.
Southgate said: "I had in my mind that eight points would be a good return because we would have gone unbeaten through the period.
"Once we lost at Blackburn, you have to accept the seven. It was important we won our two home games - they were crucial, we knew that beforehand.
"The players dealt with the pressure of that very well and we performed well in the two games.
"We did not look a nervous team, which pleased me because when you are in those sort of games, it would be easy to be a bit apprehensive.
"We also dealt with, against Sheffield United, the disappointment of giving away a penalty right on half-time. That could have been a big blow to us, but the attitude in the second half was still very positive.
"We deserved those two wins. It makes the league look a bit healthier, but there is a lot to do still.
"We have got to go to Charlton and make sure we get a win there that would have a big impact on us and also on them."
That may be easier said than done, however, with Alan Pardew's men knowing they face a fight for their top-flight lives and Boro still awaiting their first away victory of the season.
They could, and perhaps should, have gained that at the 12th attempt last weekend when they visited lowly Coca-Cola Championship side Hull in the FA Cup third round.
Boro squandered a series of chances to put the game beyond Phil Brown's men both before and after Mark Viduka fired them ahead with 17 minutes remaining, and they were made to pay when substitute Nicky Forster earned the Tigers a replay.
Southgate will hope his side - and particularly leading scorer Aiyegbeni Yakubu, who missed three glorious opportunities at the KC Stadium - will be more ruthless this weekend.
Boro should be strengthened at the back, where goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and England defender Jonathan Woodgate have shaken off back and knee injuries respectively and could return.
Full-back Andrew Davies is also back in training after an ankle problem, but will have to displace the in-form Abel Xavier if he is to win back a starting berth.
By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.
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