The Match Thread Middlesbrough 2 v 1 Watford The Smoggies play host to the Hornets. The Reds tackle the Yellows and the 20th team plays the 8th. The travelling folk of Hertfordshire are going to visit to Teesside. MIDDLESBROUGH • The Manager – Tony Mowbray “The Championship is a brutal, attritional league. Whether you are home or away, you have to fight your corner and be at it. You have to fight your way out of it. Can we? The answer was there that we can.” “I thought we became stronger as the game went on and only one team looked like they might win it in the second half.” • The Smoggies Paul Smith Jonathan Grounds Rhys Williams Andrew Taylor - goal 45.min Joseph Bennett Tony McMahon Nick Bailey Barry Robson - caution Stephen McManus for Julio Arca Merouane Zemmama for Scott McDonald - goal 33.min Marvin Emnes Substitutes: Connor Ripley Maximilian Haas Richard Smallwood Mickael Tavares Tarmo Kink • The Fan – dyrewolfe – devourer of hens "Considering the squad we have, the injuries and the lack of funds to remedy this, I think its a testament to Mowbray's man-management skills that he's been able to virtually secure Boro's survival, considering where we were when Strachan left, with games to spare." Update on the Boro’s latest statistics WATFORD • The Manager - Malky Mackay - sent off "You've got to give the opposition due respect. We're talking about Premier League players on the other side there." "I'm delighted for our fans who made the trip. I'm sure they'll be singing back down the A12 while Danny and Troy are still sorting out the goal on the coach!." • The Hornets Scott Loach Dale Bennett for Adam Thompson Lee Hodson Adrian Mariappa - caution and sent off Martin Taylor Ross Jenkins Marvin Sordell for Will Buckley Don Cowie John Eustace - caution Andreas Weimann for Troy Deeney Danny Graham - goal 28.min and caution Substitutes: Rene Gilmartin Connor Smith Matthew Whichelow Piero Mingoia • The Fan – Roger68 "At the start of his managerial career, even the start of this season, Malky seemed to be a rather conservative manager. He would rarely change a winning team, was not aggressive in his substitutions, and seemed to emphasise hard work ("sweat on the shirt") over flair. Now he varies the formation and line -up between games and within games, matches the tactics to the opposition and circumstances, gives young players a chance and expects players to be versatile and adaptable. He seems much more confident in his role , and has got the squad playing with confidence and spirit. He is building a truly effective , even memorable team. The title "genius" will come later, but for now the title "best in the Championship" will do.” Update on the Hornet's latest statistics Who will win? Current form Three wins in their last ten matches and only seven home wins all season is not a good return. Thirteen goals since the beginning of February with 17 against is not the best form. Watford have now managed three wins in five games and only three defeats in the last ten matches show an almost return to the form of December. Also with Danny Graham finding his scoring shoes again things are beginning to look bright. Akureyri's Prediction: 2-2 Watford’s return to form will be given a tough test on Saturday but they will come though. A draw will not be a good result for either team, but that is how I see the outcome. There is a history The last match: Watford 3 – Middlesbrough 1: Danny Graham scored at 17.secs and two more in the first twenty minutes from Jordon Mutch and Danny Graham again left Middlesbrough for dead. They recovered to mark a late goal from Adrian Mariappa(!) to make the final result better for the visitors. Strangely the locals had less possession, shots, more fouls and two cautions. Further into the past: Wafords journeys to the north to visit Middlesbrough started in 1924 with a 0-1 victory in the FA Cup. The next visit was in 1967 and since then only 11 more league matches and one in the league cup. The goal total of 22 for Middlesbrough and 15 for Watford indicate more success for the locals than the visitors but five wins for the Boro and four for the Hornets and one cup win each shows that they are a little more matched. The Smoggies 4-1 win from 2007 in the Premiership is the best result either team has had, with two goals from Mark Viduka and one each from George Boateng, Fabio Rochembach and Damien Francis. On My Radio: If you cannot get to the game, BBC Radio 5live and BBC Radio Tees will cover the game. And ESPN have it here skál/skÃÂ¥l/cheers/salut Don't forget the BBC’s 606 Nest or not606 Nest Drop in for some match chat. Travellers may want some information about Middlesbrough.
An excellent thread Akureyri ...thank you! Looking forward to the fun on Saturday. i predict a Watford win, but then..i've never predicted anything else .
And 0-3 to the Golden Boys, just to keep a symmetry. I know I'll end up looking daft when it doesn't happen.
I'm with you Zen, I went with 0-3 in the prediction league too. So you won't be on your own if it does go wrong.
Welcome to not606 SDG I will predict 3-1 to Watford As always an excellent thread Ak - but who have been messing about with the star rating on 606 ?
Great thread Ak (might I suggest a slightly smaller font next time though) Will boro actually have 16 fit players? Will the right Will Buckley turn up? Will the local accents confuse DG? Will the 'Orns win? Yes, and I'm going for 1-2; Deeney and Sordell (but I hope Danny gets another).
That was a good note Norway I must have missed that when I found a photo of young Tony Mowbray. COYH I will make the text smaller. On my computer it is a good size but the reply is smaller so I will use that size in place.
Leroy Lita out with a hamstring injury by all accounts - may make things that bit harder for Boro. We may, therefore, be facing a team with a Kink - not sure which one though. Ray Davies maybe
With Lloyd doubtful, Lee with a small chance only of playing, who will be left back? With all of the injuries on both sides, maybe we could agree to a 8 a side match.
Wonder what odds you'll get on Andy Taylor getting sent off as seems the way this week with the ex Watforders?
Another tough away game but after Tuesday I feel strangely confident about this one. 2-1 to the Golden Boys.
Hey Super - have a great day! i think you're in for a good one! ...i'm feeling very positive about today...enjoy!