Boro vs Leicester 1-0 (Greenwood)

[Weasel 952]

Intro

My first match day thread of the season, but I somehow doubt I'll be coming anyway near MRe's record after seeing our opponent. Leicester find themselves at the top of the table, 4 points clear of second and 11 points clear of 3rd. They haven't drawn a single game all season and have only lost 2 (one which happened to be their last game against Leeds), so they will be looking to bounce back.

Form and Table:

Leicester enter this one with marginally better form than the Boro having won five of their last six games in the league, as opposed to Boro's 4 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw.

In comparison with the full league table, which look a lot healthier for them than us:

Injuries and suspensions:

Boro:
Marcus Forss (long term)
Tommy Smith (long term)
Lenihan (long term)
Riley McGree (late november)
Lewis O'Brien (long term)

Leicester:
Wilfried Ndid (long term)
Yunus Akgun (just a knock, probably on the bench)
Callum Doyle (long term)
Tom Cannon (knock, could be in squad)
Dennis Praet (long term)

View from the other side:
Courtesy of FoxesTalk (which funnily enough, the person starting their thread is called Bob Weasel Fox)

Quote

"Another very tough game. I'd imagine we'll bounce back strongly but a point wouldn't be too disappointing"

"I watched the Plymouth v Boro game on Saturday both play better football than we  do, we will have a very difficult game up there on Saturday if we don’t turn up" (think this might be the Leicester version of TheJew)

"Another team that will get at us and another chance to learn to try and improve against teams that will actually try and participate in the game against us. Desperately need legs in the middle for this one as these get about the pitch. Casadei has to drop for this one."

"Brush off the disappointment of yesterday. Will be a very tough game though. 2-1 win. Casadei to be left at Seagrave. "

"Middlesbrough -- currently the definition of a mid-table team.  12th place, record 6-3-6.  But I really don't know any details about their squad. Away game for us; we are undefeated away.  Additionally we get seven full rest/recover/train days before this match. Definitely want to see our strongest team for this one.  Would love to see Yunus back, and Kasey if he fits the manager's plan.  Also, please start Kelechi and reserve Jamie as an impact sub. Please no more Casadei until/unless he shows significant improvement in training.  Maybe even some U21 games until he is sorted. Shame that Wilfred is out. 1-3 Leicester.  COYB!"

"I am so conflicted on this one. I started to loathe our arrogance, “we’re going to batter QPR 6-0 etc etc” BUT why are we comparing Boro to Leeds is beyond me. They haven’t spent £35m on a striker like Leeds have (Rutter) and the only names I recognised from their starting 11 yesterday were McNair and a 35 year old Howson."

"It’s a huge game. Boro are decent in this moment, and will probably feel confident. I think the Leeds defeat could have more of an impact than some think. Few have boo-boo’d it’s significance, but to lose to a rival, as poorly as we did without looking a threat will tickle the ego somewhat and could play on some of the lads minds."

"Enzo will quietly want to put the Leeds result to bed. He’s learnt a lot from his time at city coaching the top dog and the pressure of staying ahead of the chasing pack especially after they’ve had an off day. The players need to regain their fighting form as it’s dulled a little lately. Maybe it is fatigue creeping in. Leeds was Wake up call. I predict we will come good and best boro confidently. ‘If’ we somehow don’t and the performance is off again we have the right to question Enzo and know what’s up.

"Gritty 1-0 will be fine but Boro have re-discovered the form that got them into the play offs last time out. Maybe start Coady and try and to instill a bit of a sensible head in the back four. They just seem to be taking the risky pass out that little bit too far in recent games."

Quote

Probable Lineups courtesy of FoxesTalk users:

Questions:
1. Which of Silvera, Rogers and Latte Lath deserve to start this game (if any) and why?
2. Starting 11?
3. Score prediction?
4. Predict Carrick's outfit for this one, will we see the Grey jumper?
5. Since it's Leicester, what's your favourite Walkers flavour of all time? (I know it's the black packet Barbecue)

 

 

[edinboro 727]

 Which of Silvera, Rogers and Latte Lath deserve to start this game (if any) and why?

None of those but Dijksteel should because he's quick, strong and a right back.

2. Starting 11?

Dieng, Dijksteel, Fry, McNair, Engel, Hackney, Barlaser, Greenwood, Crooks, Jones, Coburn 

3. Score prediction? 2-2

4. Predict Carrick's outfit for this one, will we see the Grey blazer? Red jumper

5. Since it's Leicester, what's your favourite Walkers flavour of all time? (I know it's the black packet Barbecue)

Salt n Vinegar

[RiseAgainst 3,427]

I'd sum up our chances like this...

[Rob 4,015]

5-0 to the boro

[TeaCider24 11,144]

1. Which of Silvera, Rogers and Latte Lath deserve to start this game (if any) and why?

I'd say none because Crooks has been good this season and Greenwood and Coburn both scored.

2. Starting 11?

Barring injuries, I think it'll be unchanged.

I'd bring in Dijksteel for VDB though.

3. Score prediction?

1-3

4. Predict Carrick's outfit for this one, will we see the Grey jumper?

He's going red again.

5. Since it's Leicester, what's your favourite Walkers flavour of all time? (I know it's the black packet Barbecue)

Roasted Chicken and Thyme Sensations, they are elite, the real chicken parts are probably why they're so tasty.

 

[Neverbefore 9,241]

Barlaser in for howson is the only change I'd make, but I doubt it'll happen.

[Borodane 5,786]

Tough game this. With the way we concede I can't see anything but a Leicester win. Think I'd go with Barlaser for Howson and Dijk for VDB as we need a bit more pace a right back and a natural RB out there.

[BoroSmoggie 2,371]

Barlaser and Dijksteel in.

[OldManGravz 1,073]

1. Which of Silvera, Rogers and Latte Lath deserve to start this game (if any) and why?

I would start all 3 to be honest, Rogers and Silvera have been much improved on recent showings (didn't see the Plymouth match) and I'd like to see us start with a bit more pace up front from the off in this one

2. Starting 11?

Dieng

Dijksteel, McNair, Fry, Engel

Barlaser, Hackney

Jones, Rogers, Silvera

Lath

3. Score prediction?

3-2 Boro - Lath x2 and Jones

4. Predict Carrick's outfit for this one, will we see the Grey jumper?

Black jumper

5. Since it's Leicester, what's your favourite Walkers flavour of all time? (I know it's the black packet Barbecue)

To eat on their own? Cheese and onion

In a crisp sandwich? Prawn cocktail

[Downsouth 5,528]

1 hour ago, BoroSmoggie said:

Barlaser and Dijksteel in.

Plus an on form Jones would help

[Dan_Boro_Till_I_Die 1,110]

Even with my rose tinted glasses I can't see us getting anything.

Dijksteel in for VDB

Barlaser for Howson

 

[Robin Johnson 591]

Stating the obvious. It depends on our approach to the game. If we play this tippy tappy slow build up - we will lose. If we take the game to them with pace. Power and precision they have shown a certain vulnerability to tactics such as these.

[AnglianRed 5,599]

Questions:
1. Which of Silvera, Rogers and Latte Lath deserve to start this game (if any) and why?

Checked their stats on the BBC and its a close-run thing between Rogers and ELL. Really not much to choose between them in all departments, except Morgan has a couple of assists to his name. Would probably start him and bring ELL on as an impact sub.

2. Starting 11?

3. Score prediction?

Leicester have a pretty tight defence and I think Boro's attack will fire only blanks: Middlesbrough 0 - 3 Leicester.

 (should guarantee we get something from the game)

4. Predict Carrick's outfit for this one, will we see the Grey jumper?

Unless its the tracksuit, we are doomed, so hoping MC is rocking the sportswear look.

5. Since it's Leicester, what's your favourite Walkers flavour of all time? (I know it's the black packet Barbecue)

[TeaCider24 11,144]

 

 

I've changed my mind now, Boro win nailed on.

[macapes 1,612]

Defeat is inevitable