A WAY THROUGH THIS
MIDDLESBROUGH v LEICESTER CITY
Jonathan Way, 29 Sep 2009
A tale of two halves.
Is what everyone witnessed at the Ricoh Arena as Boro threw away a 2-0 lead to come back to Teesside with only a point from Coventry. With fans putting it down to such things as substitutions, inexperience and tactics, it's clear that the team needs to sort it out if we are to seriously compete for promotion this campaign.
After spending their first season outside the top two leagues of English football, Nigel Pearson lead the Foxes back into the Championship first time around, being promoted as Champions in the process. Following their good start to this campaign, Pearson will be looking to take something from the Riverside as Leicester have lost only one away game so far.
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Brad Jones v Chris Weale
Despite making some impressive stops at Coventry, Jones will not have been totally pleased with his performance as he was unable to prevent the Sky Blues' two late goals. Starting his first game of the season at the weekend, it will be interesting to see if Gareth sticks with the Australian against Leicester.
The 27-year-old signed for the Foxes on a free transfer in the summer, after spending long spells at Yeovil and Bristol City. Weale will come into this fixture with confidence, having last played against Boro two years ago in an FA Cup replay in which he saved a penalty from Yakubu.
Justin Hoyte v Bruno Berner
Hoyte's first start of the campaign was one that the right-back will not want to remember. After being turned by Morrison in the box in the build-up to City's first goal, the Boro number three then had to see out the remainder of the game with an ankle injury due to Boro already having made all their substitutions.
The Swiss international moved to the Walkers Stadium last year after the Foxes beat the likes of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest for the defender's signature. Managing to net his first goal of the season in Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Preston, Berner has become a key part of the Leicester defence since his move.
Adam Johnson v Matt Oakley
It certainly wasn't a coincidence that Middlesbrough crumbled under the Coventry pressure after Johnson was substituted at the weekend. I really would like to know why Southgate took the 22-year-old off because Johnno is without doubt our most influential and creative player on the pitch.
The Foxes' vice captain has definitely made a big impact in the side since his move from Derby. Having started every game so far this campaign, Oakley played a major part in helping Leicester finish last season as Champions of League One.
Marvin Emnes v Matty Fryatt
The Dutchman played a decent game for Boro at the weekend, creating chances but lacking that killer finish in front of goal. After being replaced by Lita just after half-time, I hope Gareth chooses the right strike partnership - one which will hopefully tear Leicester to shreds on Tuesday night.
The 23-year-old has had an outstanding start to the campaign, with seven goals in nine league games making him the Championship's joint top goal scorer. Currently holding the record of scoring Leicester's fastest ever goal (nine seconds), Fryatt will be the Foxes' biggest danger at the Riverside.
We desperately need to get back to winning ways and this fixture presents us with the perfect opportunity to do so. It would also be nice if we could finally secure our first clean sheet in over a month, having surprisingly not kept one since the sale of Huth.
With us being at home and not losing a league game in mid-week this season, I think Boro will comfortably win this match 2-0.
