Pompey have been hampered in their preperation for the game with the news that Glen Johnson is out injured after twisting his ankle in training. So that means either Pamarot or Griffin will take his place, and neither fill me with any confidence. This injury just adds to the catalogue of players out including Pedro Mendes, Dean Kiely and Lomana Lua Lua.
So for us it looks like in front of David James we will have a back four of either Griffin or Pamarot, Primus, Campbell and Stefanovic whilst the midfield will be the same as the one that has started the last two games, except for replacing Mendes with Hughes. Personally I'd like to see O'Neil move into Mendes' position and then play Koroman on the right, but I can't see it happening.
The other main selection issue is who to start up front with Benjani. Do we go with Toddy who changed the game last time at The Riverside when he came on? Or do we go with Kanu to hold the ball up for our midfield so they can have a go at goal? If I was a betting man, I'd say Toddy will start.
As for the Boro, we're only two games into the season and they are already showing the inconsistancy that haunted them last season. They surrenedered a two goal lead at newly promoted Reading to lose 3-2 on the opening day, but just four days later they beat Chelsea at home (again). Much will also be made of Yakubu playing against his former club as per usual. I don't understand why everyone has to boo him so much, after all if it wasn't for him we'd be relegated without his goals, despite his laziness at times. What's the odds on him scoring against us again like he did last season?
With the way Boro like to attack as well as ourselves, I can see this being an entertaining encounter as no doubt both sides will leave themselves open at times when going forward. We lost our record of scoring in consecutive games since Man City last season after drawing a blank at (ironically) City on Wednesday. On the other hand though, we are the only Premiership team to have not conceded a goal yet and I would love for us to keep a third consecutive clean sheet but with Yakubu and Viduka lurking around it looks unlikely, especially with makeshift full backs.
Again, I'd take a draw away from home but there's no reason why we can't go and win this game, and no doubt Boro fans will be thinking exactly the same about us. Will Gareth Southgate finally be able to end the Pompey hoodoo over Boro or will we go there and take our draw like we usually do? Who knows? It might even be more!
Premiership Past: Middlesbrough vs Pompey
03/04: Middlesbrough 0 Pompey 0
Steve Stone was sent off for a second yellow card in this dull encounter. Danny Mills hit the crossbar in the closest chance of the game, but nothing else happened.
04/05: Middlesbrough 1 Pompey 1
A rare show of brilliance from Diomansy Kamara had him outpace the Boro defence and slot in a decent solo goal. Boro got one back not too far from the end as Stuart Downing scored after one of his runs through our not-so watertight defence.
05/06: Middlesbrough 1 Pompey 1
0-0 at half-time, Toddy came on to give Alain Perrin's side greater prowess up front and Pompey went ahead after a typical Gary O'Neil strike in the box after some good footwork from Toddy. Boro predictably got one back via Yakubu who headed in from a corner, but why was 3ft tall Skopelitis marking the far post!? Gary O'Neil scored in both games against Boro last season, can he make it three in a row?
Pundit Watch
Lawro: Draw (1-1)
Soccernet: Away Win
Sky Sports: Home Win (2-0)
Matt Le Tissier: Home Win (1-0)