|
 |
MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA - SOUTHGATE: WE ARE NOT SCARED
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate insists his misfiring stars have no fear as they target a treble of home wins over Chelsea which could bring their stuttering season back to life.
Boro have nose-dived to within two points of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone on the back of three straight defeats and in that situation many sides would approach a fixture against the former champions with dread.
But Southgate's men have sunk the west Londoners on each of their last two visits to the Riverside Stadium, including last year's dramatic success which gave the new boss his first home win.
Southgate said: "These are not games we go into frightened. We know we've had results against them before and while that doesn't count on Saturday we do know if we play at our best we can beat them.
"We have shown over the last few years that we are competitive in every game we got in to. Lots of other teams write off games against the top four but we've deserved to get results against those teams.
"I remember a couple of years ago we beat Chelsea and it sent us on a run at a time when we were in an awful lot of trouble. That is not the case this time but a win would give us a massive lift."
Adding to Southgate's confidence that his side can get their season back on track is a gradual easing of his injury concerns and in particular the expected return of Mido after his period out with a groin strain.
Southgate is well aware it is no coincidence that Mido's absence has corresponded with his side's lack of firepower in front of goal and believes the Egyptian will have a dramatic influence upon his return.
Southgate added: "Mido leads the line well, he gives us a physical presence and he's a goalscorer. When he's in the side he gives the whole team an extra dimension.
"He is also a strong character in the dressing room. So when he's fit and fiery and bubbly that makes a big difference to the team."
Mido could be partnered by Dong Gook Lee up front after the South Korean recovered from a back injury, with Jeremie Aliadiere still ruled out with a hamstring strain. Robert Huth and Matthew Bates are also still out.
Despite a daunting trip to Old Trafford looming on the horizon next week, Southgate is continuing to cut a relaxed figure and insists it will not take much for Boro to begin their rise back up the table.
"It's very important when results haven't gone as you'd hoped that you don't throw everything out of the window and you do remember the things you've done well," he added.
"Games are won in both penalty boxes and that's what we've had to focus on in training, to narrow down certain things to focus and improve upon. That's what we have done."
By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.
BACK TO BORO v CHELSEA MATCH PROGRAMME INDEX
|
|
|
|
