Likely Line Ups:
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Coyne; Naughton, Wheater, McManus, Pogatetz; Franks, O'Neil, Robson, Arca; Killen, McDonald.
NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Harper; Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique; Routledge, Guthrie, Nolan, Gutierrez; Carroll, Lovenkrands.
Middlesbrough subs (from): Steele (gk), Grounds, Bennett, Taylor, Riggott, Hoyte, R Williams, Lita, Miller, L Williams.
Newcastle subs (from): Krul (gk), Kadar, Hall, R Taylor, Butt, Pancrate, Ranger, Best.
MIDDLESBROUGH: Gordon Strachan is hoping both Scott McDonald and Emanuel Pogatetz will be passed fit to feature in tomorrow's Tees-Tyne derby. McDonald continues to recover from the hernia operation he underwent prior to moving to Teesside, while Pogatetz missed last weekend's defeat at Cardiff with a leg problem. Jeremie Aliadiere is unavailable after breaking his toe last weekend, and Willo Flood is also absent because of a knee injury.
Suspensions: None
Injuries: McMahon (foot), Bates (knee), Flood (knee), Aliadiere (toe)
Last five league games: LWLLW
Leading league scorer: McDonald 14 (14 for Celtic)
Next game: vs Derby (A) 16/03/10
NEWCASTLE: Chris Hughton welcomes back both Jose Enrique and Wayne Routledge tomorrow. Enrique limped out of last weekend's 6-1 win over Barnsley with a tight hamstring, but returned to full training on Thursday. Routledge has missed three matches with a calf injury, but is expected to replace Fabrice Pancrate on the right of midfield at the Riverside. Skipper Alan Smith (ankle) is a major doubt, while Joey Barton will not be considered despite training all this week. Steven Taylor and Shola Ameobi remain on the long-term injury list.
Suspensions: None
Injuries: S Taylor (knee), Ameobi (hamstring), Vuckic (ankle)
Last five league games: WWWWD
Leading league scorer: Nolan 12
Next game: vs Scunthorpe (H) 17/03/10
Last season: 0-0
League head to head: Middlesbrough 35, Newcastle 45, Draws 35
Referee: Lee Mason (Bolton) G29 Y87 R5 Ave: 3.17
Last Middlesbrough game: vs Sheff Utd (H) 07/08/09 D0-0 Y1 R0
Last Newcastle game: vs Everton (H) 22/02/09 D0-0 Y1 R1
It's a fact: In 2004, a fans poll showed that while Middlesbrough fans regarded Newcastle as their biggest rivals, Newcastle fans only regarded Middlesbrough as their third biggest rivals behind Sunderland and Manchester United.
Comment by SCOTT WILSON: Boro's recent home form has been solid, but Newcastle are scoring goals for fun at the minute and will fancy a rare derby double.
Prediction: 1-2
Source: Northern Echo
Source: Northern Echo