STEW'S PREVIEWS
MIDDLESBROUGH v SWANSEA CITY
Stewart Flaherty, 22 Jan 2010
BORO EYE VIEW
Take two! Boro look to make up the fixture with Swansea that was snowed off in the
big freeze. Boro's FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City, and Swansea being
eliminated by Leicester, made it convenient to make up the fixture on FA Cup 4th
round weekend.
Boro suffered a tough 1-0 defeat at Bramall Lane and are starting to reach a frightening prospect, draws and losses here on out may have the team losing touch with the top six, where a worrying six point gap has already opened up.
Boro managed a 3-0 win at Swansea earlier in the season, in a game that produced an
excellent goal by Marvin Emnes;
Swansea have broken into the top four and are the owners of the league's best defensive
record. Last time out they scored an impressive 1-0 home win over fellow playoff
contenders Leicester City. They will come to the Riverside looking for revenge for
the 3-0 defeat earlier in the season, and with the confidence of knowing they have
climbed the table significantly since then.
Column Continues Below...
HEAD TO HEAD
Goalkeepers
Boro - Danny Coyne is gaining a run in the team and the back four is showing signs
of improvement. His communication and presence have won praise from many fans and
pundits. Coyne will need to perform well, as 'goalkeeper' is still a potential area
to be upgraded.
Swansea - Dorus De vries is a former Dutch Under-21 international and a major
contributor to the Swansea defence leading the league in fewest goals conceded. De
vries has made over 100 appearances for the Swans.
Edge - Swansea. A talented and in form keeper playing with confidence.
Boro Defence v Swans Attack
Boro - Chris Riggott has played well since his welcome return from injury. He
performed well against Manchester City in the cup, and seemed to have another decent
shift at Bramall Lane. David Wheater will likely join him in the middle. Justin
Hoyte is playing on the left with Tony McMahon offering a bit of bite on the right.
It remains to be seen what the line-up will be when Emanuel Pogatetz is fully fit,
it seems unlikely he would be on the bench.
Swansea - Terrace folk hero Lee Trundle is the Swans' joint top scorer with five
goals, but has found himself on the bench of late. Spaniard Gorka Pintado has been
leading the line and opened his account last week with a winning goal against
Leicester City. Club record signing Craig Beattie has scored three goals this term.
Edge - Boro. Riggott's return and the insertion of Coyne behind has gave the Boro
back line a more confident look of late.
Midfield
Boro - Barry Robson was an excellent addition to the Boro engine room on his debut.
Showing ball winning toughness, passing ability, as well as the ability to be both a
presence and a verbal leader. His performance was impressive and he looks to be
able to contribute both ability and goals to the Boro engine room going forward.
Willo Flood put in a workmanlike shift out wide and looks more than willing to roll
his sleeves up and do his part defensively. Isaiah Osborne brings consistent
athleticism and Gary O'Neill remains outstanding. Adam Johnson continues to work
his way back from a hamstring strain and this area looks to be on the up for Boro.
Swansea - Darren Pratley has netted five goals from a central midfield position and
his forward runs have added to the solid possession-keeping play of Cedric Van Der
Gun.
Van Der Gun is a former Ajaz player who was once rated as one of Holland's brightest
young prospects.
Leon Britton has started 19 games so far in midfield and is the current club
'Players' Player of the Year'.
Adding to the Swansea midfield of late has been the impressive play of Wales
international winger David Cotterill;
Drawing praise from his teammates for his fitness levels, Cotterill is a traditional
winger with pace, the ability to beat a defender off the dribble, and a very good
final ball. Cotterill netted his first Swansea goal last time out in a 2-1 defeat at
Leicester.
Edge - Boro. The new blood brings a lift to what looks to be an energetic and hard
working unit.
Boro Attack v Swansea Defence
Boro - Chris Killen huffed and puffed on his debut but did not show the ability to
unlock a solid Blades back line. Swansea produce another tough barrier and no easy
home debut for the Kiwi striker. The pace of Jeremie Aliadiere could be a big factor
in this game.
Swansea - Captain Garry Monk leads a Swansea back four with the best defensive
record in the league. Injuries at centre back could lead to midfielder Leon Britton
filling in there. Fans' favourite and club veteran Alan Tate is one of the full
backs, joined by magnificently named Spaniard Angel Rangel, and Argentine Federico
Bessone.
Edge - Swansea. Boro are thin on the ground and this back line is Swansea's biggest
strength.
Fans
Boro - A sad attendance figure of around 12,000 were present for an FA Cup fixture
against a Premier League club. Tough times are here for the club and only a
prolonged run of wins and some success will significantly up the crowd figures.
Swansea - An excited fan base are enjoying the promotion chase, and a passionate
following should make the trip to the Riverside.
Prediction
Boro win. This is a real crunch game when you look at the standings. A Swansea
victory could see the Boro fall out of touch behind the playoff places, a truly
worrying scenario. However, a win could see them within touching distance and inject
some confidence into the team.
Boro need a run of form to avoid promotion slipping away and it must start soon. Home form must improve immediately.
