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BACK IN THE FRAME: Georgios Samaras
BACK IN THE FRAME: Georgios Samaras

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Preview: City v Boro


31/ 3/2006

GEORGIOS Samaras is set for a surprise return on Sunday as Manchester City try to revive their flagging campaign against Middlesbrough.

It was anticipated Samaras would be out for at least another week with an ankle injury, but the '6million Greek striker came through a training session on Thursday and could now line up against Boro.

Trevor Sinclair and Antoine Sibierski should be fit, but Andy Cole and Nedum Onuoha (knee), Stephen Jordan and Joey Barton (ankle), plus Claudio Reyna (shoulder), are out. Skipper Sylvain Distin and Sun Jihai are both suspended.

The Blues have lost their last three league games, and have not beaten Boro since December 1997, but will hope to take advantage of Boro's tired legs. Steve McClaren's men were beaten 2-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Cup clash with Basle on Thursday evening.

Boro defender Emanuel Pogatetz is out of Sunday's trip after suffering an horrendous head injury in that game.

The Austrian player broke his nose and was thought to have fractured his skull, although he was allowed to travel home from Switzerland after it was revealed a cheekbone may have borne the brunt of the impact.

Skipper Gareth Southgate remains a doubt with back and ankle problems, but George Boateng and Lee Cattermole return to the squad after suspension.

Manchester City (from): James, Weaver, D Mills, Dunne, Thatcher, Sommeil, Richards, Croft, Sinclair, Ireland, Musampa, Vassell, Sibierski, Samaras, Wright-Phillips, Flood, M Mills, Miller, Grimes, Laird.

Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Jones, Parnaby, Queudrue, Taylor, Southgate, Riggott, Ehiogu, Davies, Bates, Boateng, Cattermole, Doriva, Downing, Mendieta, Parlour, Rochemback, Morrison, Yakubu, Hasselbaink, Viduka, Maccarone.

Last season: City 1 Boro 1

Key opponent: Yakubu - Powerful striker has huge potential and a good goal-scoring record

Prediciton: City 1 Boro 0

Agree with the prediciton? Have your say.

You can get 8/1 on City winning 2-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.


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Most recent 2 of 42 user comments

   Prediction: City 0 Boro 3
Neil Allen, Gibraltar
2/04/2006 at 15:59

Offensive or Inappropriate?

   PAUL,I thought i was the only one.Thank god there are city supporters that feel like this.the club is depressing me big stile.Same story every year.SP has a lot to learn, dont think he is the man .Just don't know anymore.
dancer, newcastle
2/04/2006 at 10:36

Offensive or Inappropriate?

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