MATCH PROGRAMME Boro V Wigan. 21-1-06
By Come on Boro.com
January 21 2006
Boro Need to show true grit and fight today if they want to have any chance of beating a Wigan side who have shown they are more than a match for the Premiership.
After the debacle that surrounded both the Mark Schwarzer and Ugo Ehiogu affairs, it’s back to business today with both of them committing themselves to the club, at least until the end of the season. Schwarzer is hoping to be favoured ahead of Jones for this afternoon’s clash against Wigan. If he is, it will be his first start since the 2-2 draw at Newcastle on 2 January.
The major news however is the possible returns of both Stuart Downing and Ray Parlour, which would add much needed gile to the midfield. Added to this is the return of captain Gareth Southgate after the ankle injury he sustained at Manor Park a fortnight ago and suddenly Middlesbrough are almost able to field a full-strength side.
However James Morrison is yet to recover from the hip injury he obtained at Arsenal last week and we still have a number of long-term absentees including George Boateng, Franck Queudrue, Tony McMahon and of course, Malcolm Christie.
The only disciplinary note is the return from suspension of Doriva who is likely to start in midfield today.
Wigan meanwhile also have a fair share of players returning from injury. Skoko has shaken off the minor injury he sustained against Leeds United in the FA Cup midweek and should play today. Alan Mahon also trained with the Wigan squad on Friday and could also make the squad that visits the Riverside this afternoon.
Lee McCulloch also trained but may still have not completely recovered from the groin injury that has kept him out these last few weeks. Stephane Henchoz and Paul Scharner are also available for selection once more.
Wigan however still have some injury problems: McMillan is still out with his knee injury, as is David Wright. These two players are added to the list also occupied by David Connolly, and Emerson Thome.
Henri Camara is on international duty and so will not feature.
Meanwhile Wigan will have a boost with both new signings - midfielder David Thompson and striker Neil Mellor - making the journey to Middlesbrough today.
Middlesbrough squad: Schwarzer, Jones, Parnaby, Pogatetz, Southgate, Ehiogu, Bates, Riggott, Taylor, Wheater, Downing, Mendieta, Cattermole, Doriva, Rochemback, Parlour, Johnson, Yakubu, Viduka, Hasselbaink, Maccarone
Wigan squad: Pollitt, Chimbonda, Henchoz, Johansson, Jackson, Mahon, Kavanagh, McCulloch, Francis, De Zeeuw, Teale, Bullard, Scharner, Skoko, Roberts, Baines, Thompson, Mellor, Filan
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