Middlesbrough come to Manchester boasting one of the best records at Old Trafford in recent years. In fact, United have beaten the Teessiders just once in the last six home meetings。
Form guide: Unfortunately for Boro, their current form isn't so impressive. Gareth Southgate's side haven't registered a victory since 1 September and, most recently, slipped up at home against Chelsea. Meanwhile, the Reds are flying and have bagged four-goal hauls in the last three games. A win on Saturday will send United to the top of the league... at least for 24 hours.
Ins and outs: Both sides have a number of injury concerns, with the Reds' most recent setbacks occuring in Kyiv, where Paul Scholes (knee) and Patrice Evra (calf) both picked up knocks. Evra may face Boro, although Scholes will visit a specialist on Monday for a second scan. Owen Hargreaves (knee) should play some role on Saturday, although it's too soon for Michael Carrick (elbow). Middlesbrough will be without midfielder Julio Arca (knee), Emanuel Pogatez (knee), Mido (groin) and defender Robert Huth (ankle). Striker Jeremie Aliadiere faces a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury.
Star men: Cristiano Ronaldo terrorised Boro in last season's fixtures and just happens to be in blistering form going into Saturday's match. He's now scored six goals in his last six starts. Middlesbrough, on the other hand, will want to get the ball to Stewart Downing, whose early crosses could really unsettle the Reds' back four. |
發表於 2007-10-24 11:02 PM
| 
