Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Uefa Cup Preview
In a little more than 48 hours Boro will kick off their second Euro campaign in as many seasons at The Riverside. Their 1st round opponents are little known Skoda Xanthi from Thrace in Greece. Click their name to see their website, which does have an English version, and learn that in a poll over 50% of their fans think Boro will walk it; that their stadium only seats 7500 for the return leg; and that, yes, ex Boro player (in the loosest sense sometimes) Emerson will be playing. Overconfidence is a dangerous thing, though, and Steve McClaren will want to ensure a healthy lead of at least 2 goals to take over there.In the competition as a whole, Ladbrokes rate Boro 3rd favourites behind Roma and Seville at 14/1 - that's six points ahead of Everton at 20/1 and less than half the odds of Bolton at 33/1! And judging on their performance against The Arse, who can say they are wrong? Nice to know that we are tipped for at least a semi-final, but it might not be that easy...
As we learnt the hard way last season, keeping a fit squad is crucial to success. As of writing this, 9 squad players are on the injury list, including Stewart Downing, of course, Mendieta, Hasselbaink, Nemeth and Chris Riggot - of the nine only James Morrison is listed as 50/50 for Thursday. Although we can and do win without these players, this is a situation which must get better if there is to be a realistic chance of long term glory.
Saying that, it is a cup and anything can and will happen! I really enjoyed the run to the last 16 last season and hope for at least the same again - it's fun not only cheering on the Boro but also every underdog in every other game to increase our chances of silverware. Silverware? Now wouldn't that be nice!
