After entering the 5th round of the cup and being drawn against West Ham, all my attention turned to the league. If we were knocked out of the cup I wouldn’t be too disappointed. I do feel very saddened at the fact I have to think this, but it’s the league that comes first.

Boro have plentiful problems regarding team selection, with Alves, Taylor and Shawky being pulled off injured against Wolves in the cup. We already have Walker injured, Arca a doubt and O’Neil & Digard suspended. If we were to get a point or even 3 here it would be nothing short of a miracle. If Arca is back then you might have no choice but to start him in the central midfield 3 with Bates (yep) and Downing. After that then Gareth might have no option but to play Tuncay on the right, Johnson on the left followed by Alves (hopefully) and debutant Marlon King. There is the option and please god let’s say there will be, that Marvin Emnes may feature longer than normal - the usual 3 minutes in stoppage time.

In defence at the moment Riggott seems to be number 1 choice after putting in some very respectable shifts. He’ll be more than likely followed by David Wheater. Back from injury, Hoyte might play right back with McMahon covering at left back. It’s all very makeshift but obviously something has to be done. To be honest it wouldn’t surprise me if we couldn’t fill the full allocated 18 spaces as we may see a couple of seats spare on the bench.

A big question is could Gareth have one eye for the game against Blackburn? No. We can’t afford that to happen, we need to be out there fighting for our Premiership status. Stoke proved that Chelsea could be stopped - well until the last minute, (something we know all too well this season) but of course their style is much more different to ours.

If we went into half time 0-0 I would be very pleased, maybe Gareth can wave a magic wand in his team talk and give Boro a little spark in the second half. Can Emnes score again? Will Alves add to his goal tally? Can Downing start his? Will Tuncay pick his form up in front of a club he is linked with? The most important question is if Chelsea f*ck up, can we take our chance in front of goal?

Questions, questions… only time will tell in the saga that is Boro.

1-0 To Chelsea but we’ll show some spirit!

Mark