Middlesbrough Preview

Last updated : 02 April 2004 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers travel to the Riverside Stadium for tommorow's Premiership clash with Middlesbrough knowing that they have a score to settle following their Carling Cup Final defeat just over a month ago.


The Teesiders were victorious in Cardiff at the end of February after securing their first trophy in over 128 years booking their place in the UEFA Cup for next season in the process so Wanderers hope their revenge will come in the form of three points against Steve McClaren's side to reach what is regarded as the 40 points safety target.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce will be awaiting news on the fitness of injured trio Youri Djorkaeff (hamstring), Bruno N'Gotty (thigh) and Nicky Hunt (shoulder) before he finalises his plans for the clash in the North East. Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey is one option to replace N'Gotty should he fail to recover from his injury whilst Anthony Barness is on standby should Hunt suffer any further effects of his injury. Djorkaeff however is most likely to return having rejoined his teammates for training earlier in the week and could possibly be named amongst the substitutes bench.

Boro have long term injury concerns over striker Malcolm Christie, defender Andrew Davies and Bolton born keeper Carlo Nash but manager Steve McClaren will be hoping to call on the services of influential defender Ugo Ehiogu following a foot injury which ruled him out of the Premiership match with Everton last weekend. Midfielder Doriva is once again to miss the game against Bolton as his groin injury is worse than first feared.

Wanderers came out on top against Boro earlier on in the season with a 2-0 victory at the Reebok Stadium thanks to goals in each half from Kevin Davies and Bruno N'Gotty and they will be hoping for a similar result this weekend to lift them up to their safety target

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