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Middlesbrough know that an Arsenal victory heaps more victory on under-fire Gareth Southgate, and will be eager to pick up some points, Boro have lost all their matches against top half clubs, whilst Arsenal will be keen to extend their four point lead at the top of the Premiership.
Julio Arca (knee) and Robert Huth (ankle) are both in contention after long-term injuries, joining the returning Schwarzer (thumb). However, Mido will miss out until the New Year.
Arsenal travel to Boro missing four key players: Aleksander Hleb, Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Mathieu Flamini. Abou Diaby is also out. That'll see the partnership of Diarra and Gilberto in the middle again.
Squads
Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Jones, Turnbull, Young, Taylor, Woodgate, Wheater, Riggott, Pogatetz, Huth, Hines, Cattermole, Rochemback, O'Neil, Boateng, Arca, Aliadiere, Downing, Tuncay, Lee, Hutchinson, Craddock.
Arsenal (from): Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Diarra, Gilberto, Rosicky, Adebayor, Eduardo, Lehmann, Bendtner, Denilson, Song, Walcott, Senderos, Hoyte.
Wenger: important 4 months
"We go into a period now from the end of November to March where everybody fights for something.
"During this period the points are especially hard to get because there is always something at stake.
"At the end of March it becomes easier to take points, but during these four months you can make a difference."
Eyefootball Premiership Predictor
Middlesbrough 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal will travel to Boro and pick up three points against under-fire Gareth Southgate's side. Despite missing some big players, Wenger has the strength in depth to cover and Diarra is really starting to show his value for the Gunners.
Goalscorer: Emmanuel Adebayor.
Written by majicka
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