Saturday at 12.30 sees us entertain Birmingham once again in the return fixture of the one played just a few short weeks back. At the time of writing Aitor is still in charge of the Blues but results haven’t been very inspiring down at St. Andrews lately and the former Boro boss must be on the thinnest of Ice. I understood his logic of getting some of the band back together but even the most passionate and rose-tinted Boro fan could have told him that George and Clayts hadn’t been at their best for some time.
As we know AK’s tactics are built upon a rock-solid nigh on impervious defence. The complete lack of that foundation has been laid bare with them conceding fourteen goals in their last six Championship games, rooted to the bottom of the same period Form Table whereas Boro in contrast sit in fourth place. The actual Championship table itself sees Boro sat in seventh place, tantalisingly close to a Play-Off position and the Blues languishing in seventeenth, just four points off the drop spots. Another defeat for them on Saturday and corresponding wins from those around them could leave Birmingham teetering on just one safe solitary point.
Covid issues has raised its head in Football once again and none more so than at Boro with Rockliffe being closed due to an outbreak in the camp before the Brentford game. How many actually tested “positive” and how many tested “tired” we can’t be certain but if Neil Warnock can muster a full-strength side then there are very few contraindications that anything other than three points should be expected. Therin lies the danger, an overly confident side against one fighting for survival along with a stressed Manager could be a dangerous thing. Throw in a few old connections and anything other than a ruthless professional attitude could see an upset on Teesside.
Speaking of upsets there has been talk of the air turning Blue between Scott Hogan and Aitor. Hogan’s seemingly poor form seems to have its roots in poor service, something that previous Boro Strikers under AK can perhaps relate to. At the weekend George Friend had to come out and reassure everyone that Harlee Dean is still the Club Captain as the ex Brentford player sat out the three-nil Cup loss to Man City. That level of disquiet was perhaps fueled somewhat by Marc Roberts being preferred instead of Harlee Dean in the game. Pederson is another who is alleged to be on the AK naughty step (if indeed he was allowed to carry out the necessary structural repairs at the Riverside to take it with him). As we know trust is a big issue for Karanka and it appears that it is becoming very thin on the ground with some of his charges.
In fairness to AK, he has inherited a basket case of a club where something had to change. As we can testify, over time he will rid himself of the few players for whom he has little confidence and trust. The question is will he be allowed the required time in sorting out individuals allegedly upsetting his dressing room while the Club slowly sinks?
In the meantime, Blues Fans are getting restless with some barbed comments about him putting on two defensive subs when three-nil down to City in the Cup game at the weekend. I smiled when I read that as it brought memories flooding of the less attractive side of Karanka’s tenure at the Riverside.
One of the positives AK does have is the form of Jeremie Bela who at times looks too good for those around him. Another is the Juke who works and grafts, perfectly illustrating the attributes that Karanka wants from his strikers. Let's hope that his dressing room isn’t too settled on Saturday and that old boys don’t come back to haunt the Riverside.
Redcar Red
Thanks for the preview appreciated as ever
Unusually for me I’m going to go for a
Boro 2 Brum 1 so a home win for us
after a “rest” I expect to see a nearly full strength Boro team on display raring to go against AK
OFB
Thanks OFB, its nowhere near Werder's standard of previews but it keeps things ticking over and somewhere to post predictions and our pre and post game comments until he sees fit to pick up the reigns once more.
It also hopefully keeps things tidy and all in the right files and folders. I'd hate for him to come back in here thinking we made a mess of the place.
It will be interesting to see what sort of team we put out. It's also interesting (or worrying) that Brentford now seem to have a mini pandemic ripping through their club now. I hope its not related to our visit and just coincidental. In fairness their Manager was displaying symptoms before our game and was isolating so I think it started before the dirty Northerners got down there. The concern may be that a few of those playing for the Bees may have been asymptomatic and spreading without realising.
So our roving reporter turns into a stay at home editorial substitute and plays a blinder!
Thanks RR for an enjoyable read albeit tempered by the fact that our old boys are in trouble, something which gives me no pleasure whatsoever.
As you quite rightly point out, on paper this should be a home banker but it just depends on which Boro turns up and whether the boys in blue are up for a fight or are all ready waiting for the next manager on the merry go round!
2-0 for me if we turn up and I hope we do as we need as many points in the bag before the shut down arrives. CoB 😎
- @redcarred Hoping to watch the game on Saturday via the link only problem is I go into JCUH Friday for second part of the pacemaker op and this time may keep me in until Saturday !
- Told them I have to get home Friday as it’s a matter of life and death !
Up the Boro !
OFB
@redcarred Well done, mate. A very good opening and let's hope the Boro team pick up from there.
I will go for a tight 1-0 win. I am sure AK likes to visit Riverside but I hope in vain. Britt to score - as a lot of people think he only scores against the lower positioned teams. Not that we might score generally less against the high flyers.
Up the Boro!
Nice one Redcar Red,
I know how cynical we are as Boro supporters because we always see the possibilities of typical Boro lurking in every game but worryingly I'm going for a Boro 3 - 1 Brum with the Juke inevitably scoring for the visitors. OFB and I both going for a win, what is the world coming to?
Stay safe everyone, OFB and Ken in particular. Freezing here in Norfolk and it's trying to rain...
UTB,
John
With everyone rested and a few players who keep the ball on the ground we should be Good for three points. Although it wasn't important, in the greater scheme of things, we should have won comfortably at Brentford which, strangely, will impact on them as the season unfolds. Is there any match we play in which there is no ex player/manager involvement?
Striker Stephen Walker has returned to the club from his loan spell with MK Dons.
The 20-year-old was due to remain with MK until the end of the season, but he has now returned to Rockliffe and could join another club on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
Walker has made 17 appearances for MK, but the majority of those have been from the bench with the player only making five League One starts.
He has scored five goals for the club and signed off this week with a brace in Tuesday’s EFL Trophy win at Northampton Town.
@original-fat-bob My understanding is that a lot of non essential stuff is being curtailed at JCUH at the moment due to the increasing numbers of Covid cases. I believe additional Wards are being "acquired" to cope with things.
Hopefully your procedure will go ahead but if not I have a decent battery charger and a set of Jump Leads that should get the job done. If you tell your Consultant that Boro have three of their next four games being televised he may make you a priority case!
Just a reminder for anyone who isn’t aware, but Boro’s match on Saturday is on Sky Sports Main Event Channel from noon with a 12.30 kick off. Also I’ve just been browsing on the members forum to note that Grovehillwallah who posts more than anyone else has not posted since 15th December. I’m concerned that he may not be well. I haven’t got his phone number, but if anyone has it maybe a phone call might be appreciated.
@plato I think the Brentford result was a good one for us despite the loss. The Cup is now out of the way and no longer a distraction. We had some very decent spells of football during the game and the young lads got a chance with Woods and Hackney showing that they can step in and do a Job. Had we a much bigger squad that could cope with the condensed season and the Cup then great but as things stand I'd rather see the effort go into the Championship.
I usually prefer a good cup run (preferably winning it in the end) but this season is different. As you said, a lot of matches is short time (covid) and a smallish squad. Up the Boro!
Our Rotherham game has been rescheduled for Wednesday 27th with a 19.00 hrs Kick Off. Our Blackburn game which was on the Saturday (23rd Jan) before the rearranged Rotherham tie has now been put back 24 hours to the Sunday (24th) with a 15.00 Kick Off and is now live on Sky.
We start to score a few goals and now suddenly the TV media are all over us. At this rate we will end up like Leeds with just about every game being shown. NW must be doing something right, I just hope we slip on any of the Banana skins before Norwich where I really fancy us to get something.
@ken I would respectfully ask that you leave well alone. There may be reasons that he no longer posts???
OFB
@martin-bellamy I haven’t alluded to anything Martin.. ...
OFB
@original-fat-bob Oh sorry, my mistake. Keep safe and hope everything goes well with your procedure.
I see NW has emphasised to the players the need for sensible goal celebrations. Let's hope they don't take it too literally and stop scoring! 🤣🤣😎
OFB
Hoping everything is going well with your pacemaker and you’ll be able to watch the match tomorrow. Surprised about snow on Teesside the last couple of days. I obviously haven’t been out into Redcar but no snow a mile inland although a little frosty. Beautiful day today and overnight frost gone now though it might be icy in the shade. Keep warm and keep safe. I’m due for a covid vaccine injection next Wednesday.
Thanks Ken just waiting to go down for surgery now. 15:00 hours
Been an hours delay so keeping fingers crossed
4 of us in the ward
Three called Robert and the other is Robertson ! Hope they don’t get us mixed up!
OFB
When each of my knees were replaced I had to mark which one they were doing with an arrow using black NHS felt marker. Where do you put the arrow for a pacemaker? Seriously I hope all goes well and you are OK and fit afterwards.
Stay safe,
UTB,
John
All the best, Bob. Hope it goes well
Hope all goes well Bob which I'm sure it will.
The lights flickered here a few minutes ago so I guess that was either atmospheric conditions affecting the National Grid or JCUH plugging you in. 🙂
@original-fat-bob. Hope everything has gone well and you are recovering and looking forward to tomorrow's game and feel healthier in the days and years to come. 😎
A collective eyes-in-the-sky for our Bob.
Thanks
Home at 10 tonight after a lot of persuading and gentle talking by me !
It can’t be eyeballs 👀 tomorrow surely !
I’m still going for a win although I don’t see Watmore starting as NW said he was the one player who seemed to be struggling after illness this week
up the Boro
OFB
Thanks
Home at 10 tonight after a lot of persuading and gentle talking by me !
It can’t be eyeballs 👀 tomorrow surely !
I’m still going for a win although I don’t see Watmore starting as NW said he was the one player who seemed to be struggling after illness this week
up the Boro
OFB
Glad to hear that everything has gone well and I hope that Boro keep your stress levels at a manageable number.
Good to see you back on the road Bionic Bob...… heres to a speedy recovery.