A WAY THROUGH THIS
MIDDLESBROUGH v MANCHESTER CITY
Jonathan Way, 2 Jan 2010
Typical Boro...
Having been 1-0 up at half time against Barnsley, the players summed up our year by letting in two second half goals and came away pointless from Oakwell.
If Boro are to start this year as they mean to go on, then they are going to have one of the hardest possible starts with the richest club in the world visiting Teesside.
After spending over £100 million on new signings in the summer, the club's new chairmen finally had enough and sacked Mark Hughes a fortnight ago. Now, new manager Roberto Mancini has produced a perfect record so far with maximum points and no goals conceded and is aiming for a top four finish.
Column Continues Below...
Justin Hoyte v Micah Richards
Our number two scored his first Middlesbrough goal on Monday with a brilliant cross-shot from the left hand side.
Despite not counting for anything in the end, it seems that with Leroy Lita suspended and Jeremie Aliadiere injured, Gordon Strachan is going to have to rely on goals coming from other parts of the field, for the foreseeable future.
The 21-year-old has been one of City's key players over the last few years and was rewarded for his performances by becoming the youngest defender to be called up to the England squad. Richards, who has made over 100 appearances for the Blues, was reportedly one of the players who wanted to leave Eastlands following Hughes' departure.
Julio Arca v Gareth Barry
Despite being only 28-years-old, Arca's display against Barnsley was the last straw for some supporters who have questioned his fitness and skill over the past few weeks.
However, it seems the Argentinean will remain in the side for the near future as he fulfils our need for experience within the squad.
After spending his twelve year career at Aston Villa, Barry finally moved to Eastlands for £12 million in the summer to "start a new challenge". Since his move, the influential midfielder is playing some of his best football and scored his first City goal in the Manchester derby defeat to the champions.
Rhys Williams v Stephen Ireland
Williams has certainly been one of our most consistent players this season, as he quietly goes about his job in the centre of midfield each game.
Scoring his second goal of the campaign against Scunthorpe, the Australian needs to control his discipline, as he picked up his seventh yellow card of the season against Barnsley.
Manchester City's 2009 player of the year has hopefully proved to their owners that you don't have to spend to get quality players, as Ireland signed for the Blues at the age of fifteen.
Having not had one of his better games at Wolves in midweek, the Irish international will be hoping to retain his place for this FA cup third round tie.
Jonathan Franks v Carlos Tevez
The young academy graduate made his first start of the season at Oakwell and despite his hard work he didn't really find any clear-cut chances. If Aliadiere remains sidelined for Saturday, Franks, who is still searching for his first Boro goal, may be the only recognised striker in our frontline.
The 25-year-old has been in emphatic form for the Blues since his summer move across Manchester, scoring in six of his last seven games.
Along with a brace, Tevez was deservedly awarded man of the match for his display against Wolves and will be one of Mancini's most dangerous players at the weekend.
As good as we have been in cup competitions over recent years, somehow I don't see an upset here. I think many Boro fans would prefer us to concentrate on the league, not that beating Manchester City wouldn't nice.
Although the last meeting was our outstanding 8-1 demolition, with our current situation and City's improvement, I can only see a 3-0 win for the Blues.
