Middlesbrough v Doncaster Preview
Posted on | August 21, 2009 | No Comments
It’s been nearly twenty two years since these sides last met – and that fixture was played in the old Third Division! A lot has changed since then although both of these teams have enjoyed relatively successful starts to their seasons. Still, the bookies will see only one favorite here, as recently relegated Middlesbrough aim to build on their 2nd place position.
Having lost several star players, nobody was quite sure how Middlesbrough would fare back in the Championship. In their previous season they were an absolute disaster, shipping goals but also failing to score them at the other end. However, so far it’s been positive. Gareth Southgate has led his side to a draw and two victories which has already put the Riverside Stadium outfit into the automatic places. After their first game ended a goalless draw with Sheffield United there were concerns that Boro would, just like last season, struggle in front of goal. However, they’ve bagged five in their last two games and with Adam Johnson already scoring three goals from the wing, it looks as though they won’t have to rely entirely on their strikers either.
Doncaster have also lost key players during the summer and having failed to reinvest those funds, many thought that Sean O’Driscoll’s men would suffer from “second season syndrome”. However, just like Middlesbrough it’s been so far so good as Donny have recorded three straight draws. That might not sound too glamorous on paper, but the three sides they have faced all possess extreme physical presence and this has been something that Doncaster have lacked in the past. While they were renowned for playing exquisite football, against the tougher teams they tended to buckle although already having faced the likes of Watford, Preston and Coventry, they’ve seemingly improved in that area.
Gareth Southgate has a few concerns on the injury front for this one with Didier Digard, Brad Jones and Chris Riggott all struggling. However, Southgate has been handed some good news, with striker Jeremie Aliadiere due back after missing the previous game through a hamstring injury. Doncaster have even more problems though and Sean O’Driscoll looks set to be without Martin Woods, Gareth Roberts, Steve Brooker, Sean McDaid and James O’Connor who are all carrying injuries. There is the one piece of good news though as John Spicer has shaken off a knock and should be available.
Doncaster have proved so far that they are a tough side to beat, although Middlesbrough will provide a much tougher challenge. Boro have kept most of their best defensive players and with that, they’re an excellent unit at the back. Donny on the other hand look to be struggling a little in front of goal and considering the quality that Boro possess, we only foresee a home win – 2-0.
Related posts:
- Middlesbrough v Doncaster Preview
- Doncaster v Middlesbrough Preview
- Middlesbrough v Watford Preview
- Doncaster v Crystal Palace Preview
- Doncaster v Swansea Preview
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