A WAY THROUGH THIS
MIDDLESBROUGH v BLACKPOOL
Jonathan Way, 8 Dec 2009
Turning The Corner.
Boro fans will be hoping that the 5-1 demolition of QPR will finally be the turning point in our season, as we lifted ourselves into the play-off places. After winning his first game as Middlesbrough boss at his fifth attempt, Gordon Strachan knows the importance of this tough fixture against Blackpool.
Following a disappointing 16th finish last campaign, Blackpool appointed Ian Holloway as manager in the summer to try and mount a serious promotion bid. The Seasiders who, at the time of writing, sit just one point outside the play-offs, will travel to the Riverside with confidence after beating Newcastle 2-1 earlier in the season.
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Brad Jones v Matthew Gilks
Despite our number one not having many fans, you have to admit that he has been playing very well recently and has made some important saves. Starting his 12th game of the campaign, Jones will be hoping to keep a clean sheet against the club he joined on loan five years ago.
Since first choice Rachubka got dropped after their 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, Gilks has taken his opportunity and started by keeping three consecutive clean sheets. Having not managed another clean sheet since, the 27-year-old has conceded an average of nearly two goals a game in the Tangerines previous five.
Emanuel Pogatetz v Stephen Crainey
The Austrian international made his fourth start of the season at Loftus Road and produced a brilliant display. Experience in the defence is one of the things we've been greatly missing lately and hopefully Pogatetz can help us climb back the gap on the top two in the table.
Since joining from Leeds in 2007, the Scottish defender has become one of the Pool's key players and has picked up numerous awards from the club. Still looking for his first goal of the campaign, Crainey will have been frustrated at his sides 2-1 home defeat to Barnsley at the weekend.
Gary O'Neil v Charlie Adam
Our man of the match against QPR put in another outstanding performance and helped himself to his third goal of the season. Having seen what we are like without him, we cannot afford to loose O'Neil in January as he will be the difference between us getting promoted and staying in the Championship at the end of the campaign.
Making his loan from Rangers permanent in the summer, Adam has been an important player for Holloway this season, scoring six goals so far. Already attracting interest from Premier League clubs, the 23-year-old will be hoping to make a better impression on Teesside than he did against Barnsley at the weekend, despite scoring a penalty.
Dave Kitson v Jason Euell
Putting Boro ahead just after half an hour, Kitson has now scored three goals in his three games for us and is proving to be a very valuable player. With an excellent partnership alongside Lita upfront, I really hope the club do all they can to persuade the striker to stay in January, whether it be permanent or on loan.
Our ex forward is enjoying life on the North West coast after having a tough time at Middlesbrough, where he scored no goals in 17 league appearances. Currently with three goals for the Seasiders, Euell will surely be odds on to start this game as Ian Holloway will no what is likely to happen on Tuesday night.
After an impressive display by the whole team at the weekend, it will be interesting to see if Strachan brings Johnson back into the side for this must win fixture.
Despite them being one point behind us in the table, four of Blackpool's five defeats have come away from home this campaign. Therefore I think we will hold onto a 1-0 win to give us confidence ahead of the Cardiff game on Sunday.
