A WAY THROUGH THIS
MIDDLESBROUGH v PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Jonathan Way, 31 Oct 2009
Two points lost.
Is how many Boro fans felt after giving away another late goal at Deepdale. Middlesbrough should have had the game won at half time but a gritty performance from Preston meant the match finished 2-2. With Gordon Strachan now at the helm, we should certainly have no one to fear and I don't see why we can't win this league.
Manager Paul Sturrock took Plymouth into the Championship in 2004 by gaining two promotions in three seasons. After just avoiding relegation last year, the Green Army have had a difficult start this time around, starting the campaign with a nine match winless run. The Pilgrims will be looking to build on the weekend's point against Ipswich when they visit the Riverside on Saturday.
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David Wheater v Gary Sawyer
The Boro skipper had a decent game at Preston but will have been disappointed with his marking on Jones for their stoppage time equaliser. Looking comfortable at the back alongside St Ledger, Wheater will surely be hoping to keep back-to-back home clean sheets this weekend.
The 24-year-old will be hoping for a much better display against Middlesbrough after he played a very average game against Ipswich. Sawyer, who has started every match for Plymouth this season, will hope that his side can clinch their first clean sheet of the campaign.
Didier Digard v Carl Fletcher
The Frenchman put in a good performance at Deepdale but it was clear that he is not back to his best just yet. With only his fourth start of the campaign, Digard will be hoping to better his performance in front of the home fans at the Riverside this weekend.
After spending last season on loan at Home Park, Fletcher made the move permanent in the summer by signing a two-year contract. The former Welsh international scored his first goal of the campaign on Saturday to give Plymouth a half time lead.
Adam Johnson v Kari Arnason
One of the Championship's most talented players showed everyone once again just how precious and vital he is to our promotion hopes. Johnson had a brilliant game against Preston, tearing their defence apart and impressively scoring his ninth goal of the season in the process.
Following a successful trial in July, Sturrock offered the Icelandic international a one year contract with Argyle. The midfielder has made an immediate impact in the Pilgrims' side and Arnason was undoubtedly Plymouth's man of the match at the weekend.
Marvin Emnes v Jamie Mackie
Our Dutch striker didn't put in a convincing display against the Lilywhites, with his touch letting him down. He was also easily shoved off the ball. With only one goal in 11 starts this campaign, Emnes really needs to improve if he is to retain his place in the Boro side.
Since signing for £125,000 in 2008, Mackie has established himself as Argyle's main forward with some spectacular goals. Scoring just 11 seconds into his Plymouth debut, their number eight will be hoping to build on his three-goal tally for the season.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how we play in Strachan's first game in charge. Hopefully the Scot will be able to get the best out of our quality players and be able to stop us conceding late goals.
Without a clean sheet all campaign, we're sure to score against the Green Army, but how many is the question. I really hope Gordon gets off to a flying start as Boro boss with a 3-0 victory to get our promotion hopes back on track.
