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ALASTAIR BROWNLEE'S BORO v DERBY COUNTY MATCH PREVIEW 21-3-08
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After the Cardiff City FA Cup setback, Boro fans will be taking nothing for granted.
But facing a Derby County side who are anchored to the foot of the Premier League table with a goal difference of minus fifty, should add up to three points at the Riverside on Saturday for the home team.
The Rams did show some fight at Pride Park last time out when only a Cristiano Ronaldo goal separated them from Manchester United but before the visit of United they were hammered 6-1 at Chelsea and have picked up only three points in three months of football.
Derby may well be heading straight back to the Championship but it is up to Boro to take full advantage and there were certainly promising signs in the performances at Aston Villa and Arsenal.
After the FA Cup despair, the players have taken steps to regain their pride and the belief of the fans, by the displays at Villa Park and the Emirates. With a bit of luck, the Boro might have claimed six points not just two.
Now it is up to the team to put on a show against Derby for the Riverside faithful that they let down so badly in the Cup.
Mido will miss the next three games after his harsh red card at Arsenal but that will give time for the Aliadiere/Tuncay partnership to flourish.
Aliadiere was certainly missed during his four match ban that included, of course, the FA Cup quarter final defeat and his pace and movement up front at the Emirates constantly caused his former club problems. His goal at Arsenal was reward for a fine return to action.
Tuncay has struggled to adapt to the Premier League on occasions but at both Villa and Arsenal the Turkish international gave evidence of his quality.
The striker could have featured in the Champions League quarter final as his former club Fenerbahce have battled through to take on Chelsea but he is happy with his move to England and is popular with both the fans and his teammates.
Tuncay no doubt hoped that when he moved to Boro that the team would be battling for a place in Europe as opposed to fighting for survival.
He will be better for the experience gained in his first year in the Premier League though and next season will look to help the club fight for a place higher in the table.
A victory over Derby could open up a nine point gap between Boro and the bottom three and with just seven games left after Saturday, such a wide margin would just about ensure safety for another season.
Away from the Derby build up, the training ground was buzzing on Thursday with the news of the England call-ups for Stewart Downing and David Wheater for the forthcoming friendly with France.
Downing’s selection is reward for a terrific season and it is hoped that when Fabio Capello reduces his initial call up of thirty players on Saturday evening, that Downing is still part of the squad as he thoroughly deserves his chance.
The international recognition for David Wheater is a further chapter in what has been a fairytale year for the young central defender.
Twelve months ago the twenty-one year old was on loan at Darlington and now he is a strong candidate for player of the season after making the centre half position at Boro his own.
A new contract was a well-earned reward for his outstanding displays and all Boro fans were relieved when he put pen to paper. Now they can share in the joy at seeing Wheater receive his first call to the full squad.
As with Downing, it is fingers crossed that Wheater remains in the squad after the numbers are reduced and what a night it would be for the club, especially the academy staff, if they both make an appearance on Wednesday against France.
Back to the visit of Derby and looking back over previous meetings with the Rams, one of my favourites was a clash at the Riverside on 3 November 2001 as Fabrizio Ravanelli made his first return after his departure in 1998.
Rav did score a late goal but it was no consolation as the “ white feather “ and his teammates were taken apart by an Alen Boksic inspired Boro and the fans enjoyed a terrific 5-1 win.
Bernie and I will, hopefully, be reflecting on a great three points against Derby in Simply Red on Century Radio on Sunday.
There will be all the usual features including the chance to win Sunday lunch for two at the Bluebell Hotel, Acklam Road, Middlesbrough.
Special guests will include Dave Hodgson, Jamie Pollock and the man who once hit four goals past Chelsea, Micky Burns.
So why not pick up the phone and give us a call on 08450021100 or send a text to 85102.
Have a great Easter and Up the Boro!
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ORDER MARK SCHWARZER'S BOOK HERE
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