Algarve Cup – vs Celtic

The second game of our pre-season and our first game in the Algarve Cup. It is no holiday for the Boro squad.

The match is live on Setanta Sports 1.

Vital Quotes:

Speaking to the Evening Gazette, Southgate had this to say: It`s a fitness exercise. What we will start to do is introduce some team play and some principles of what we want to do as the week goes on.

“We`ve only been back for a couple of weeks so the work we`ve been doing has been fitness-based, we haven`t had too much technical or tactical work on the ball.

“The games are all about performance and putting into place elements of what you do in training. Results might breed confidence but I`ve been involved in teams that haven`t won a game in pre-season but have made a fantastic start, and vice versa, so it`s all about performance.

“Over the next few days we`ll look at different formations and emphasis of what we`re looking for from the matches.

“Also we will be hindered by players coming back from injury so options are limited anyway.”

Boro Team News:

Mido has problems with his visa so wont be playing whilst Luke Young and Gary O’Neil are returning from injuries and are not match fit yet. Ross Turnbull’s partner went into labour on Friday so it is doubtful whether he will feature and Marvin Emnes may not get his international clearance in time. Tuncay is back from his holidays after Euro2008 so will meet up with the squad at the airport – doubt he will play any part either.

Player to watch: Didier Digard

Having played at York on Friday night it is doubtful whether he will play, but if he does Boro fans will get to see a glimpse of what the tough tackling new signing can do against better opposition.

Celtic Team News:

Artur Boruc, Shunsuke Nakamura and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink are back for Celtic and available after international duty over the summer. Boruc and Hesselink return after taking part in Euro 2008 whilst Nakamura was on World Cup Qualifying duty with Japan. Ben Hutchinson and Paddy McCourt are both injured whilst Chris Killen has joined up with the New Zealand Olympics squad.

Player to watch: Shunsuke Nakamura

Just back in training after international duty, the Japanese playmaker will need to be watched carefully – espescially from set pieces where he can be deadly.

Match Facts & Stats

This is Boro’s 2nd pre-season game, having drew 2-2 at York on Friday night.

Celtic have played 2 pre-season games, winning 2-0 at Southampton before going down 3-1 at Fulham.

Match Prediction:

2-1 to Boro. Both teams will still be some time off match fitness but, with Boro having more pace in the front line, i think this will prove to be the downfall of the Scots.

Next Fixtures:

Algarve Cup – vs Vitoria Guimaraes 24/07/08