Middlesbrough v Sheffield United Preview
Posted on | August 7, 2009 | No Comments
The Championship kicks off on Friday night with a game involving two sides who can arguably classed as bigger clubs of the division. Following their relegation from the top flight last season the pressure is on Middlesbrough to make an immediate return, while Sheffield United will be looking to put their play off final heartache behind them and follow suit.
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate was one man under plenty of pressure this summer following the club’s relegation last season. In the end his chairman decided to stay loyal and give him another chance, although it’s certainly going to be a tough feat to get them to bounce back at the first attempt. The likes of Stewart Downing, Ross Turnbull and Mido have all departed while record signing Afonso Alves also looks set to be moving on in the near future. However, while the replacements that Southgate has brought in may not have the big name status that the above do, all three seem fairly shrewd buys. Mark Yeates, Danny Coyne and Leroy Lita have all arrived at the Riverside Stadium this summer and all three have an excellent level of experience at this level. What’s more, Yeates and Lita have proved time and time again that they have goals in them and with Boro struggling in that department last year; they should become influential players for them.
It’s been a slightly busier summer for Sheffield United who have seen plenty of players come and also, players go the other way. Kevin Blackwell was forced to cash in on promising young duo Kyle Walker and Kyle Naughton although after receiving a combined sum in excess of £10m, he’s been able to invest in other areas of the team. Ched Evans arrived in a £3m deal, while Blackwell has also signed Ryan France, Kyel Reid, Andy Taylor and Lee Williamson. That’s bolstered his side significantly and the former Leeds boss will be hoping that he now possesses enough quality to go one better than last season’s play off heartache and clinch promotion.
Even though Middlesbrough striker Tuncay has been constantly linked with a move away from the Riverside Stadium and is lacking match fitness, it’s thought that Gareth Southgate will include him in his squad for this game. Gary O’Neil and Julio Arca are also expected to play after recovering from their problems, although Jermaine Aliadiere is suffering from sickness and is likely to miss out. Sheffield United could have a few problems heading into this one though with strikers Ched Evans and Darius Henderson both doubtful through injury. Jamie Ward and Lee Hendrie are both suspended, although Kevin Blackwell is likely to play Kyle Walker who has returned to the club on loan.
Both of these sides know the importance of starting the season well after the disappointment of last season and because of that, we can only see a draw. It’ll be a tight, scrappy affair and we predict a 1-1 score line.
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