This game is a tough openener for both sides and neither have the best record when it comes to opening day fixtures.
The match see’s the return of Jonathan Woodgate to his hometown club and it will be interesting to see what kind of reception he gets whereas for the Boro Mido could play a part against the side we signed him from last season.
Vital Quotes:
Stewart Downing told the Evening Gazette: “You`ve got to start well, warned Downing. “Look what happened to Spurs last season, they didn`t start well and after that they couldn`t get their season going. We were a little bit indifferent early on last year but we finished quite well.
“We definitely have to start well tomorrow, every point is crucial in the league. Spurs at home and Liverpool away next week are massive games and if we can get something out of them it would be brilliant.
Ledley King told Tottenhamhotspur.com: ‘In previous years we’ve had good pre-seasons and not started that well when it matters, so our focus is on the start of the season and getting three points at Middlesbrough.
‘Any first game of the season is tough, especially away from home. Middlesbrough will be up for it, their fans will be right behind them and we’ll have to be at our best to get anything out of it.
Boro Team News:
Boro look unlikely to have Justin Hoyte in the squad in time so Rhys Williams may be selected ahead off Tony McMahon to start at right-back. Southgate will have to decide on who his number 1 is tommorrow, the decision will be between Ross Turnbull and Brad Jones.
Julio Arca and Chris Riggott are the only players unavailable.
Player to watch: Didier Digard
The midfield battle will be very tough with the likes of Modric and Bentley in there for Spurs. Digard will be the key man in there for Boro as he will have the responsibility of getting the ball and playing it simple to the Boro attack. His tough tackling and athletic ability will be severely tested.
Spurs Team News:
Spurs have just about got a full squad to choose from with Alan Hutton the only player missing. He is sidelined with a foot injury.
Their new signings; Modric, Bentley, Dos Santos and Gomes should all play a part whilst Ledley King will be hoping to kick-off the season and stay injury free.
Player to watch: David Bentley
On his day he can give any full-back a hard time and tommorrow he will be key to Spurs with his creativity, dribbling skills and crossing ability. Boro’s full backs will have to be on top of their game to stop him.
Match Facts & Stats
There could be 7 league debuts tommorrow with Williams, Digard and Emnes all hoping to play a part for Boro. Gomes, Dos Santos, Modric and Bentley are the possible debutants for Spurs.
Jonathan Woodgate returns to face his hometown club and if selected, Michael Dawson will make his 100th appearance in a Spurs shirt.
Ref Watch:
Martin Atkinson – Yorkshire
Match Prediction:
Boro to win 2-1. this wil no doubt be a very hard game for both sides but i think Boro will just edge it by coming out on top in the midfield battle – we have the players to win the ball and keep it.
Next Fixtures:
Boro – Away to Liverpool 23/08/08
Spurs – Home to Sunderland 23/08/08
All i can say to some of the spurs fans on here, not all by any means but some of them is….you have a bit of egg on your faces there chaps…good luck next week.
Well played boro – you def deserved to win. As for Mido – he’s a lucky dud.
hahaha. boro come out on top. get it there, we dominated it all the way. unlucky huth at the end.
Dominated them, report to follow later.
congratulations on a good win-good luck for the season,see ya at the lane.
ps make sure you do the goons again this year
SPURSBOY, like i said deluded, DAREEL, like i said back to school on monday (please take extra english lessons, must try harder), SHAMELESSYIDDO, sorry could not make 5pm due to enjoying my small clubs giant killing of such a “MASSIVE CLUB” like Spurs. Enjoy the silence. HA HA HA HA HA.
ChickenRun1986
Excellent result guys! Think a few egos may have been deflated there this afternoon!
good result today guys and gals. Put in a very good physical display and full credit to you. Hope all goes well for the rest of the season and i hope you put your doubters to rights.
Knowing the result, this was the funniest thread I’ve ever read in my life. Good job Boro, you may just be my second team this year. Or at least third behind Hull. 🙂
Respect to parklanebert for coming back here after the match, but to your mates, pre-season wins and so called “names” alone don’t make a championship side so back to the drawing board Spurs. Good game by the boys today and the result maintains the confidence the team has been developing. Looking forwards to next week!
Omg I almost *****ed myself laughing reading those comments now. Marron you are a genius. You kept calm saying your midfield would dominate and you were RIGHT! Those fools saying you had no chance and Spurs would win 6-0 are just that, fools. Well done today Boro and especially to you Marron for making a whole lot of Spurs fans look like idiots. And by the way Digard is a super player and he will show that at Boro.
Well done Boro!, hilarious thread jammed with the most arrogant, deluded wazzocks going, season after season these ball balancing chicken botherers give it the big one before having to slope off and lick their multiple wounds. roflenham lolspurs off to a flyer again!! 🙂
lol. middlesbrough always wins the big clubs..does it mean that…
Well Done Boro! You deserved the win, lol at those poor Spud fans, they have been made to face reality.
Good luck with the rest of the season, and enjoy watching Justin Hoyte he’s a good player it was just a pity he could have stayed with us. Thanks again
HAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
This thread was just hilarious – its never repetitive to watch the spuds embarrass themselves. Well done Boro, you played some fantastic football yesterday and deserved the win. In fact, the winning margin should have been higher.