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But we've got a certain weapon that's going to have them tossing and turning in their sleep, and he goes by the name of Yakubu. After his single-handed demolition of Boro at the tail end of last season, scoring four goals in our 5-1 win, the sore losers spent the next two months trying to sign him just so he couldn't do it again. Didn't work though, did it McClaren? And how fitting would it be if he were to score at the weekend.
Onto the game itself, and it's a tough one to call. We kept a clean sheet in our last match, whilst they haven't let a goal in in their last two matches - although, they've yet to not concede in a home game this season. 0-0 isn't out of the question although with the sort of attacking players lining up, I would be slightly surprised. If a 0-0 were to arise, then a point away from home would certainly be a good result. With our god-awful away record, anything other than a thumping on such a long journey would be rather enjoyable.
It'll be interesting to see the tactics for this one. With such a resolute defence coming up against us would it be worth starting Berko, playing him for a half, and seeing if he can break them down? Or is it worth leaving him out in order to counter Boro's offensive options? Admittedly you don't want to be building your game plan too much around what the opposition are doing, rather than concentrating on yourself - it's never been Harry's way, for a start - but for a team who scored four last weekend, some caution is needed. With Yakubu and LuaLua continuining up front hitting them on the break with pace could still be achieved, whilst keeping the midfield resolute with someone like Cissé, instead of the inconsistent Israeli.
I can see us getting a draw up there if all goes well. Despite the obvious quality of their players, they still don't seem to completely have pulled it together - someone like Mendieta for example, despite how well known he is, has always been a bit wank against us. So let's hope for a 1-1.