Sunderland have a tough test ahead,but with promise in the fact that Middlesbrough have not even scored in their last two home fixtures. The clash will feel more like a derby this time around with Julio Arca a possibility to start, an ex Sunderland wear side hero.
Middlesborough have won 3 out of 6 games between these two sides when they have met in the cup. With Sunderland only winning one. This looking promising for Middlesbrough, but with the injury struck team tonight’s tie will be a great affair with any outcome a possibility.
Vital Quotes:
Mowbray said: ‘I have total respect for Sunderland and the way that they play under Martin O’Neill but they are not Arsenal or Barcelona.
They are pragmatic and they get the job done.
‘My message to my team is ‘you can compete against them’.’
Middlesbrough Team News:
Steele, Hoyte, Bennett, Bates (C), Hines, McMahon, Arca, R Williams, Thomson, Main, Jutkiewicz.
Subs: McManus, Emnes, Ogbeche, Martin, Smallwood, Reach, Ripley.
Player to watch: Julio Arca
Sunderland Team News:
Mignolet, Bardsley, Richardson, Turner, O’Shea, Larsson, McClean, Colback, Gardner, Sessegnon, Campbell.
Subs: Elmohamady, Dong-won, Wickham, Lynch, Reed, Meyler, Westwood.
Player to watch: Frazier Campbell
Match Facts & Stats
Sunderland are 8th in the Barclays Premier League with 33 points from their 24 league games.
iddlesbrough are 6th in the Npower Championship with 47 points from 29 games.
artin O’Neill’s side have been top of the Barclays Premier League form guide for more than a month – since their 4-1 away win at Wigan Athletic on 3rd January.
ony Mowbray’s side are second-bottom of the Championship form guide, failing to win in their last six league encounters. Peterborough United – knocked out by Sunderland at home in the last round – are the only other second tier side not to have won in their last six.
Match Prediction:
0-1
Next Fixtures:
Both teams play to meet Arsenal at home for the next round of the F.A Cup
