 |
|
|
|
BACK TO ARCHIVE INDEX
© All written site content is copyright ComeOnBoro.com 2004-2007, unless otherwise stated, and is not to be used without prior permission. |
|
CHELSEA v MIDDLESBROUGH - SOUTHGATE WAITING ON VIDUKA
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is keeping his fingers crossed that he can unleash star striker Mark Viduka on Chelsea.
The 31-year-old Australia international picked up a calf problem during the 1-1 Premiership draw with Arsenal last weekend and is rated only 50-50 for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Southgate has not always fielded two frontmen in games against the top sides - and especially not away from home - but Viduka's recent form has been such that the manager will be desperate to have him at his disposal.
Few strikers make Kolo Toure look as uncomfortable as he did last Saturday, when it took a late Thierry Henry strike to rescue a point for the Gunners after Yakubu had fired Boro ahead from the penalty spot.
Southgate said: "Mark had not played for a couple of weeks and in the first half it took him a little time to find his touch and he was getting a bit frustrated.
"But he is such an outstanding player. As long as he keeps that belief, he will always cause teams problems. He got the flick for the goal and (Jens) Lehmann made a brilliant save from him after the goal.
"He is a massive influence for us."
Yakubu's strike took him to 13 goals for the season and in striking distance of the 19 he managed in his first campaign on Teesside.
However, while Southgate is delighted with the form of his first-choice front two, he has been equally pleased with the men who have played the supporting roles in an eight-game unbeaten run.
He said: "The form of Yakubu and Mark Viduka has been outstanding, but Malcolm Christie and James Morrison have played very well in recent weeks when they have been given the chance.
"One of the keys to our recent run of form has been the players who are not involved in the starting 11 but who have had a massive contribution - the likes of Jason Euell, Malcolm Christie and Andrew Davies.
"They have been unbelievably supportive of the team and it is very difficult for them at the minute because they are not getting first-team football.
"But they have got on with their work and the sprit they have helped to create is the reason we have been doing so well."
Boro will be looking to complete an unlikely double in London having defeated the champions 2-1 at the Riverside on August 23 to hand Southgate his first competitive win as a manager.
He could have keeper Mark Schwarzer back as he battles against the back injury which has sidelined him for the last two games. Midfielder Lee Cattermole remains a doubt with the hamstring problem which kept him out of the England Under-21s' clash with Spain on Tuesday.
By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.
BACK TO CHELSEA MATCH PROGRAMME INDEX
|
|
|
|
|
Sitemap || Search Site || Terms and Privacy || Set as Homepage || Bookmark Site |
| This website designed, maintained and managed by Waking Lion ©2004-2008 |
