A WAY THROUGH THIS
MIDDLESBROUGH v DONCASTER ROVERS
Jonathan Way; 22 Aug 2009
Keeping up a great start.
Is what Boro need to do on Saturday at the Riverside after recording their second win of the season against Scunthorpe United in mid-week. If Middlesbrough manage to keep up this impressive form, then our current joint top position in the table will hopefully be secured and we can really believe in promotion back into the big time.
Since taking charge three years ago, Rovers' manager Sean O'Driscoll has brought a lot of success to the Keepmoat Stadium; winning the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in 2007 and taking the Dons into the Championship for the first time in their history in the same year. After three successive draws, Doncaster fans will be hoping for an improved result this weekend as they aim to better last campaign's promising finish of 14th place.
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David Wheater v Adam Lockwood
Since the start of the season the academy graduate has had a blossoming relationship with Huth in the heart of the Boro defence. Pleasingly yet to receive a booking this campaign, Wheater will be looking to keep our impressive fourth consecutive clean sheet against Rovers.
The 27-year-old has remained a key part of the Vikings' defence since moving from Yeovil in 2006 on a free transfer. Scoring their last goal in a 1-1 draw with Preston last week, Lockwood will be in a confident mood against our strikers after helping to maintain Rovers' first clean sheet of the season.
Rhys Williams v Martin Woods
The young Australian put in another fine display at Glanford Park, winning us a penalty in the process, to keep many fans extremely impressed with his performances so far this campaign. If Williams keeps up these displays at right-back, it seems McMahon is going to have a tough job in claiming back a first team place.
After finally breaking into the starting eleven, the number 17 has established his position in the centre of midfield. Known for his hard working performances and long range shooting, Woods has recently become a fans' favourite at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Mark Yeates v John Oster
Despite picking up his first yellow card of the season, Yeates played another vital part in the Boro midfield in Tuesday night's 2-0 victory. The young winger hasn't had a bad game since arriving on Teesside and certainly looks a threat when going forward.
After undergoing a successful trial nearly a month ago, the 30-year-old signed a short term contract to make Doncaster his seventh career club. Scoring his first Premier League goal at the Riverside in a 2-1 defeat in 2007, it is clear that Oster knows what it takes to gain promotion with Doncaster after completing it with Reading three years ago.
Tuncay Sanli v James Hayter
Insisting that he will try his hardest for the club as long as he remains with us just goes to show how much of a loyal and hard working player Tuncay really is. After scoring his first goal of the campaign last weekend against Swansea, let's hope there are many more to come from the classy striker, starting this Saturday.
The experienced front man had a great start to the season after rescuing a point for his side in their first game against Watford. Being O'Driscoll's first signing and the club's record transfer, Hayter will be looking to have an injury-free campaign and finish with a much better record after ending up with only four goals last time around.
With time running out in the transfer market, it will be interesting to see Southgate's starting 11 against Rovers.
Hopefully we can continue our impressive start and retain being the only team in the Championship not to have conceded a goal yet. With the Red Army behind us, I really think we will come out on top again with a 1-0 victory to keep our promotion push right on course.
