On Sky
The Championship season kicks-off with a bang at the Riverside on Friday, with recently relegated Middlesbrough entertaining last seasons play-off finalists Sheffield United.
Vital Quotes:
Kevin Blackwell:
‘This is the first competitive game since the Play-Off Final but there is no hangover here. I have been please with the attitude of players and staff and maybe another high profile fixture like this will be just right for us.
‘Both clubs know that but for a goal or two going in the wrong end last season this fixture could well have been in the Premiership, and getting back there is clearly the priority for ‘Boro and ourselves.’
Middlesbrough Team News:
Striker Tuncay may start for Middlesbrough despite lack of match fitness due to not taking part it Boro’s pre-season, however Jeremie Aliadiere has been struck down by sickness and is a doubt.
Gary O’Neill and Julio Arca are expected to overcome minor knocks, but goalkeeper Brad Jones is out.
Player to watch: Tuncay
Undoubted quality which could unsettle any defence in the Championship should he stay at the Riverside.
Sheffield United Team News:
New signings Glenn Little and loanee Kyle Walker go straight into the Sheffield United squad.
Ched Evans looks set to make his debut for the Blades, despite lack of match practice.
Matt Kilgallon looks to make his 100th start for United
Player to watch: Evans
Lacking match practice, but will want to make a mark on his debut.
Match Facts & Stats
iddlesbrough and Sheffield United have met 92 times in league fixtures. The Blades have won 39 to Boro’s 34.
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough kick off the season outside the Premier League for the first time in 12 years. Last time they were relegated, in 1997, their exile from the top-flight lasted just one season.
Sheffield United
The Blades lost just one of their last fourteen league matches last season, winning six of the last nine.
Match Prediction:
1-1: A nervy opening game, not short of chances. But ultimately resulting in a draw