Source: Northern_Echo
Match Preview: MIDDLESBROUGH vs NEWCASTLE
Likely Line Ups:[LNB] MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Coyne; Naughton, Wheater, McManus, Pogatetz; Franks, O'Neil, Robson, Arca; Killen, McDonald.[LNB] NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Harper; Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique; Routledge, Guthrie, Nolan, Gutierrez; Carroll, Lovenkrands.[LNB] Middlesbrough subs (from): Steele (gk), Grounds, Bennett, Taylor, Riggott, Hoyte, R Williams, Lita, Miller, L Williams.[LNB] Newcastle subs (from): Krul (gk), Kadar, Hall, R Taylor, Butt, Pancrate, Ranger, Best.[LNB] MIDDLESBROUGH: Gordon Strachan is hoping both Scott McDonald and Emanuel Pogatetz will be passed fit to feature in tomorrow's Tees-Tyne derby. McDonald continues to recover from the hernia operation he underwent prior to moving to Teesside, while Pogatetz missed last weekend's defeat at Cardiff with a leg problem. Jeremie Aliadiere is unavailable after breaking his toe last weekend, and Willo Flood is also absent because of a knee injury.[LNB] Suspensions: None[LNB] Injuries: McMahon (foot), Bates (knee), Flood (knee), Aliadiere (toe)[LNB] Last five league games: LWLLW[LNB] Leading league scorer: McDonald 14 (14 for Celtic)[LNB] Next game: vs Derby (A) 16/03/10[LNB] NEWCASTLE: Chris Hughton welcomes back both Jose Enrique and Wayne Routledge tomorrow. Enrique limped out of last weekend's 6-1 win over Barnsley with a tight hamstring, but returned to full training on Thursday. Routledge has missed three matches with a calf injury, but is expected to replace Fabrice Pancrate on the right of midfield at the Riverside. Skipper Alan Smith (ankle) is a major doubt, while Joey Barton will not be considered despite training all this week. Steven Taylor and Shola Ameobi remain on the long-term injury list.[LNB] Suspensions: None[LNB] Injuries: S Taylor (knee), Ameobi (hamstring), Vuckic (ankle)[LNB] Last five league games: WWWWD[LNB] Leading league scorer: Nolan 12[LNB] Next game: vs Scunthorpe (H) 17/03/10[LNB] Last season: 0-0[LNB] League head to head: Middlesbrough 35, Newcastle 45, Draws 35[LNB] Referee: Lee Mason (Bolton) G29 Y87 R5 Ave: 3.17[LNB] Last Middlesbrough game: vs Sheff Utd (H) 07/08/09 D0-0 Y1 R0[LNB] Last Newcastle game: vs Everton (H) 22/02/09 D0-0 Y1 R1[LNB] It's a fact: In 2004, a fans poll showed that while Middlesbrough fans regarded Newcastle as their biggest rivals, Newcastle fans only regarded Middlesbrough as their third biggest rivals behind Sunderland and Manchester United.[LNB] Comment by SCOTT WILSON: Boro's recent home form has been solid, but Newcastle are scoring goals for fun at the minute and will fancy a rare derby double.[LNB] Prediction: 1-2[LNB]
