[EPL] Boro v Arsenal
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local (SG) time: 8.30pm
venue: Riverside Stadium
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will be looking to extend his unbeaten record against Arsenal when the two Premier League sides lock horns on Saturday.
Three of the four matches between the clubs during Southgate's reign have ended in a 1-1 draw, while Boro defeated the Gunners 2-1 at home last season.
Boro currently lie 12th in the table and have failed to win their previous four league outings, but will be optimistic ahead of hosting Arsene Wenger's side.
Arsenal have struggled in their recent visits to The Riverside, scoring just once in their last five trips in all competitions.
The Gunners' form this season has been largely inconsistent, although they recorded back-to-back top-flight triumphs last weekend for the first time since October.
Southgate has some defensive concerns going into the game with David Wheater suspended and major doubts over full-backs Andrew Taylor and former Gunner Justin Hoyte.
Selection headache
Should Taylor and Hoyte both fail to make the game, Robert Huth and Chris Riggott are likely to be brought back into the side in central defence after they returned to training this week following injury.
Captain Emanuel Pogatetz will then move to left-back, leaving Tony McMahon, Matthew Bates and Seb Hines competing for the right-back berth.
In midfield, Gary O'Neil remains sidelined, but Mohamed Shawky is back although he is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench.
Mido remains a major doubt, which means the misfiring Afonso Alves is set to continue alongside Tuncay Sanli - unless Southgate opts for a five-man midfield, which would then likely see the Brazilian drop out.
Arsenal expect to have captain Cesc Fabregas (knee) back for the fixture, along with several other first-team players, with Denilson and Alexandre Song competing for a starting berth alongside the Spaniard in centre midfield.
Full-back Gael Clichy (hamstring), Robin van Persie (thigh) and the rested Emmanuel Adebayor also missed the midweek UEFA Champions League loss at Porto but should be available again, along with defender Bacary Sagna if he shakes off a virus in time.
Defender Kolo Toure (calf) and midfielder Samir Nasri (ankle) remain sidelined, along with Eduardo (leg) and long-term absentee Tomas Rosicky (hamstring).
Possible starting XIs
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Song, Denilson, Van Persie, Adebayor.
Boro: Turnbull, McMahon, Riggott, Huth, Pogatetz, Aliadiere, Digard, Arca, Downing, Alves, Tuncay.
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think arsenal will win by 3-1, boro scoring first
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probably arsenal to win 2-1.
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draw 1-1
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arsenal to win 4-1
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yes i won! 3-0 to me
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LOL, arsenal gone case. I think fabregas will leave after this season
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fabregas should leave. Look at how wenger treat henry just because henry is reaching 30.
Oh wait, wenger should be the one who should leave.
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Originally posted by knock-knock:
arsenal to win 4-1
LOL!! -
Originally posted by FirePig:
fabregas should leave. Look at how wenger treat henry just because henry is reaching 30.
Oh wait, wenger should be the one who should leave.
He shall be realistic like Rafa.. Admit they are not cut out to win EPL! -
wah seh i guess correct 1-1
wanted to buy at sg pools but no money
knnboro pattern forever the same. play against other team suck like hell, play against big 4 always rise to the occasion.
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another 2points dropped...
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arsenal should start worrying about getting 4th place, not the title.
they are in a mess.
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arsenal going to face liverpool at emirates in the next game.
So can they make it a turkey?
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Arsenal are a "Dr. Jakel and Mr. Hyde" team now...
Lets hope Dr Jakel turns up to play Pool lol...
Against Man Utd, Nasri got 2 goals...
Against Chelsea, RVP got 2 goals...
Now against Pool... Time for Fab to get 2 goals too?
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The midfield is a joke
WHy wenger persist with diaby and dennilson as wingers ...
And why sub in bendtner ???
Why week in week out the same team, same line up
I was at teamtalk and u wouldnt believe the negative remarks in there
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Originally posted by pierre^^:
The midfield is a joke
WHy wenger persist with diaby and dennilson as wingers ...
And why sub in bendtner ???
Why week in week out the same team, same line up
I was at teamtalk and u wouldnt believe the negative remarks in there
yes its a joke... but wat can the fans do? lan lan hope wenger will wake up...