local (SG) time: 8.30pm
venue: Riverside Stadium
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will
be looking to extend his unbeaten record against Arsenal when the
two Premier League sides lock horns on
Saturday.
Three of the four matches between the clubs
during Southgate's reign have ended in a 1-1 draw, while Boro
defeated the Gunners 2-1 at home last season.
Boro currently lie 12th in the table and have failed to win
their previous four league outings, but will be optimistic ahead of
hosting Arsene Wenger's side.
Arsenal have struggled in their recent visits to The Riverside,
scoring just once in their last five trips in all competitions.
The Gunners' form this season has been largely inconsistent,
although they recorded back-to-back top-flight triumphs last
weekend for the first time since October.
Southgate has some defensive concerns going into the game with
David Wheater suspended and major doubts over full-backs Andrew
Taylor and former Gunner Justin Hoyte.
Should Taylor and Hoyte both fail to make the game, Robert Huth
and Chris Riggott are likely to be brought back into the side in
central defence after they returned to training this week following
injury.
Captain Emanuel Pogatetz will then move to left-back, leaving
Tony McMahon, Matthew Bates and Seb Hines competing for the
right-back berth.
In midfield, Gary O'Neil remains sidelined, but Mohamed Shawky
is back although he is likely to have to settle for a place on the
bench.
Mido remains a major doubt, which means the misfiring Afonso
Alves is set to continue alongside Tuncay Sanli - unless Southgate
opts for a five-man midfield, which would then likely see the
Brazilian drop out.
Arsenal expect to have captain Cesc Fabregas (knee) back for the
fixture, along with several other first-team players, with Denilson
and Alexandre Song competing for a starting berth alongside the
Spaniard in centre midfield.
Full-back Gael Clichy (hamstring), Robin van Persie (thigh) and
the rested Emmanuel Adebayor also missed the midweek UEFA Champions
League loss at Porto but should be available again, along with
defender Bacary Sagna if he shakes off a virus in time.
Defender Kolo Toure (calf) and midfielder Samir Nasri (ankle)
remain sidelined, along with Eduardo (leg) and long-term absentee
Tomas Rosicky (hamstring).
Possible starting XIs
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Djourou,
Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Song, Denilson, Van Persie, Adebayor.
Boro: Turnbull, McMahon, Riggott, Huth,
Pogatetz, Aliadiere, Digard, Arca, Downing, Alves, Tuncay.
