Ray Parlour is out for two months after his cartilage operation and Ugo Ehiogu is not ready to return, but there are no other new injury problems. Mark Viduka could cause Steve McClaren a selection problem as he returns after missing two games with an achilles problem.
The 4-5-1 formation that worked so well at Villa will not accommodate all of Boro's strikers so a 4-4-2 formation may be adopted, with Yakubu and Viduka favouites to start.
The Boro boss will also have this weeks trip to Zurich on his mind and will not be frightened to rotate his squad as he sees fit.
Only Schwarzer and the back four, Abel Xavier, Gareth Southgate, Chris Riggott and Franck Queudrue would appear to be certain starters. Perm any 4 from 7 in midfield and any 2 from 5 up front.
Boro from:
Schwarzer, Knight, Xavier, Queudrue, Pogatetz, Southgate, Riggott, Bates, Boateng, Mendieta, Rochemback, Morrison, Doriva, Nemeth, Hasselbaink, Viduka, Yakubu, Maccarone