Preview: Boro vs Spurs

Middlesbrough are hosting Tottenham this weekend as Juande Ramos wants to give his side the perfect Premiership start after their 2-0 victory against Blackpool during midweek. Boro are in poor form after losing four matches on the bounce, and hope to pick up three points at the Riverside.

Middlesbrough striker Mido has not recovered from a groin strain so will not line up against his former club.

The game also comes too soon for Emanuel Pogatetz (knee) while Julio Arca (knee) and Robert Huth (ankle) are still some way off a first-team return.

Spurs boss Juande Ramos faces a defensive crisis with Anthony Gardner, Ricardo Rocha and Benoit Assou-Ekotto (all ankle) and Gareth Bale (foot) out.

Captain Ledley King (knee) is not yet ready for a return.

Teams

Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Young, Taylor, Woodgate, Wheater, Cattermole, Rochemback, O'Neil, Aliadiere, Downing, Tuncay, Turnbull, Riggott, Hines, Boateng, Lee, Hutchinson, Craddock.

Tottenham (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Stalteri, Lee, Kaboul, Dawson, Tainio, Jenas, Zokora, Lennon, Malbranque, Boateng, Huddlestone, Taarabt, Routledge, Bent, Defoe, Berbatov, Keane.

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

Middlesbrough 1-1 Tottenham

Not the ideal start for Juande Ramos, but a point at least. Middlesbrough have been on disappointing form and Gareth Southgate will be keen to change that.

Score: 1-1 Draw

Goalscorer: Robbie Keane