About
Tipped to struggle by many at the beginning of the season, Tony Mowbray's Middlesbrough side have exceeded the expectations of supporters and board members alike and currently lie fifth in the Championship, raising hopes of achieving at least the play-offs and perhaps promotion back to the Premier League.
Boro started the season in emphatic fasion, winning seven of first nine games which propelled them in to the higher regions of the league. including a 1-0 away win at Selhurst Park in September. From then on, Mowbray's men had a mixed spell, winning only three games during the months of October and November. However they enjoyed an excellent festive period where they picked up 13 points out of a possible 15 to maintain their charge towards potential promotion.
A surge of injuries of late including key midfield man, Nicky Bailey, has coincided with a poor run of form and Mowbray will be hoping to arrest that run when Palace visit the Riverside today.
Mowbray has brought in former Everton and Southampton forward, Lukas Jutkiewicz from Coventry City to provide more firepower to his side who have scored less goals at home than any other team in the top ten, with a total of 15. They also have the lowest ratio of wins at home in the top six, winning only five games at the Riverside this season.
Teams:
Crystal Palace: Dougie Freedman has a fully fit squad to choose from with the exception of youngster, Jon Williams who is still recovering from a broken fibula. Freedman also welcomes back captain, Paddy McCarthy who missed Tuesdays draw with Brighton due to suspension.
Middlesbrough: Tony Mowbray has a few injury concerns ahead of the visit of Palace. Frontman Scott MacDonald is likely to be out for upto eight weeks with a knee problem whilst midfielder Nicky Bailey is still absent with a similar injury. Mowbray is also without the services of Danny Coyne who is missing with a calf strain and Merouane Zemmma who has a hernia problem.. Barry Robson and Marvin Emnes will face late fitness tests to determine their involvement but Julio Arca wont be involved due to suspension.
Match Officials
Referee: Mark Heywood
Assistant Referees: Alf Greenwood and Ben Toner
Fourth Official: Ricky Wootton
Head-To-Head Record (Home and Away)
|
Palace wins |
Draws |
M'boro Wins |
|
F. League |
14 |
9 |
14 |
|
League Cup |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
FA Cup |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
TOTAL |
16 |
11 |
16 |
Tickets
Betting with Coral
Palace to beat Middlesbrough is 4/1, while a draw comes in at 5/2.
First goalscorer odds show Chris Martin at 8/1 and Paddy McCarthy at 40/1.
CLICK HERE for a full list of odds or to place your bet now.
Live Commentary
Don't forget that the whole 90 minutes will be LIVE on Palace Player - CLICK HERE to subscribe or to login if you are already a member of the Player service.
