Mark Hughes is hoping a tired Middlesborough side will turn up to Ewood this Saturday as Rovers go chasing their fifth straight home win to close the gap on Spurs in fourth place.
Boro lost 2-1 to Roma in the UEFA Cup in mid-week but progressed on away goals. They also have a mid-week F.A Cup Quarter Final on Thursday against Charlton to look forward to. As a result Blackburn sense and advantage as a possibly tired and distracted Boro travel to fortress Ewood Park. Steve McClaren is also concerned that his players may suufer from the fixture congestion having already played 46 games this season.
Vital Quotes:
Mark Hughes:’I would hope for some sort of tired reaction from Middlesbrough but they could be galvanised.’
Steve McClaren: ‘We’d played about that many games by this time last season and we were caught short. We have had that again because we have had injuries, and it just shows that you have to have a big squad. But it’s not just about numbers, it’s about quality.’
Blackburn Team News:
Mark Hughes will name an unchanged line-up as Michael Gray has recovered from a shoulder injury in time to feature.
Player to watch: Craig Bellamy
Four goals in four games and three assists Bellamy is definetly the danger man and with the Boro back line lacking pace he could have a very big impact.
Middlesborough Team News:
Middlesbrough defender Andrew Davies is included in the squad despite picking up a knee problem against Roma.
James Morrison (hip) and Fabio Rochemback (ankle) return after injury, but Stuart Parnaby (hamstring) and Tony McMahon (knee ligaments) are out.
Player to watch: Hasselbaink
Jimmy can be a hassle for any defender on is day and he has hit a bit of form late. However it is difficult to predict who will start up front.
Match Facts & Stats
Mark Hughes’ side are aiming to extend their unbeaten home League sequence to eight games, with a fifth home victory on the bounce.
We are also looking for our first league double over Boro since 1991. We have also beaten them in the league cup this season.
Match Prediction:
Boro tired and injured back line will not be able to cope if Blackburn perform to thier attacking best. Bellamy to score in a 3-1 win.
