Source: SKY_Sports
Middlesbrough v Hull preview
Middlesbrough host Hull City in another must-win game, but they know matches are quickly running out for them to try and save their Premier League status.[LNB] Boro are five points adrift and second from bottom of the league, with just seven games left.[LNB]They have just one league win to their name in 2009 and are in desperate need for three points against Hull.[LNB]But The Tigers are not safe themselves - they lie five points ahead of the drop-zone - and will be determined that Boro are not given an easy victory.[LNB]Hull have only won three times on Teesside, the last coming back in 1986, but City are looking to do the double over Boro after beating them at the KC Stadium earlier in the season.[LNB]Boro go into the game without captain Emanuel Pogatetz, who looks set to be sidelined until the end of the month with his knee injury.[LNB]Andrew Taylor is now set to replace Pogatetz, although Boro could opt for three centre-halves with Chris Riggott also back in the squad following injury.[LNB]Gary O'Neil misses out as he serves a two-match suspension, whilst Adam Johnson will be given a fitness test on his ankle before kick-off.[LNB]Egypt midfielder Mohammed Shawky is another option to come into the side.[LNB]Boro could also recall Marlon King to face his former club. King spent the first half of the season on loan with Hull before moving to The Riverside and he scored the winner for The Tigers in the last match.[LNB]City boss Phil Brown could be ready to unleash George Boateng at his former stomping ground.[LNB]Dutch star Boateng, who is returning to The Riverside for the first time since leaving last year, is back in the squad after three months out with a knee injury.[LNB]There is also a doubt over striker Daniel Cousin, who has missed the club's last three games with a back problem.[LNB]Jimmy Bullard and Anthony Gardner remain long-term absentees.[LNB]Possible starting XIsMiddlesbrough: Jones, Hoyte, Wheater, Huth, Taylor, Tuncay, Shawky, Bates, Downing, Alves, King.[LNB]Hull: Duke, Ricketts, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Fagan, Geovanni, Barmby, Ashbee, Mendy, Manucho.[LNB]
