Football League preview: Tony Mowbray takes early view
Out with the old, in with the new.
Tony Mowbray has already stamped his authority on his new job at Middlesbrough by telling his squad the starting XI 24 hours before his first game in charge. Previous boss Gordon Strachan, who was relieved of his duties last week, had been criticised for his inconsistent team selection but Mowbray is obviously keen to bring a fresh start to Teesside.
Mowbray told the club's website ahead of Saturday’s match against Bristol City: "I've already decided on the starting line-up and the players were told at the start of training on Friday."
Barry Robson returns from suspension in time for the clash and Mowbray is delighted to have him available, adding: "It's a big boost as I'm sure he's been missed over the last three games."
Boro currently sit 22nd in the Championship following Strachan’s miserable reign where his decision to spend millions on a whole host of Scottish players backfired. Boro fans will be hopeful that Mowbray can inspire his talented individuals to gel as a unit to climb the table.
The in-form team in the league are Cardiff City, whose run of four consecutive wins has lifted them to second place, level on points with league leaders QPR, and they face Norwich at home this weekend. It is no coincidence that the Bluebirds record with Craig Bellamy in the side reads played five, won five and he is fit to play this weekend, alongside Jay Boothroyd and Chris Burke in a scintillating three-man Cardiff attack.
Norwich have only suffered one defeat on the road this season and will be a tough nut for the Bluebirds to crack especially considering they have won seven of their last 11 meetings against Cardiff.
Dave Jones’ side are hot on the heels of QPR, who have held the top spot all season but have started to waver a little in the last few weeks by drawing their last three games. However they still remain the only unbeaten side in the Football League. The R’s face Burnley, who were on the end of a surprise 4-0 home defeat to Reading last weekend, at Loftus Road on Saturday but if back to their best should provide a serious threat to Rangers’ unbeaten run.
One team that may find themselves in the upper regions of the division by Christmas could be Portsmouth, who have soared up to mid-table courtesy to a six-match unbeaten run. Nottingham Forest, who despite occupying 10th place, have only lost one of their last 12 matches in the league are the visitors to Fratton Park this weekend.
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