Much of this game may well depend on how strong a team Sir Alex Ferguson picks for this game. With Tuesday's game at Arsenal in mind, United are likely to make wholesale changes for the trip to the Riverside, with the United boss hinting at roles for the likes of Park Ji-Sung, Nani, Paul Scholes, Darron Gibson and Federico Macheda. Jonny Evans is also likely to come in for Rio Ferdinand, who sustained a rib injury against Arsenal on Wednesday, and Wesley Brown may well be on the bench, having completed 90 minutes for the Reserves on Thursday. Expect United's line-up to look something like this:
Foster
O'Shea Evans Vidic Evra
Nani Scholes Gibson Park
Berbatov Macheda
Middlesbrough, while still very much in a relegation scrap, have at least shown signs of life in recent home games, managing a 3-1 victory over fellow strugglers Hull, and were unfortunate to claim only 1 point against Fulham, having created numerous chances. Middlesbrough's record against United is actually quite respectable, with United only winning on 3 of their last 6 trips to the Riverside. With Middlesbrough fighting for their lives, and the possibility of a much-changed (I avoid using the word "weakened" because, even if there are wholesale changes, the players United bring in will all still be accomplished performers at Premier League level) away team, surely Boro will have a chance to get something here.
The Verdict
If Middlesbrough can maintain their decent home form (which has seen them beat fellow title challengers Liverpool at the Riverside) then, against a United side with one eye on Tuesday, they could get something here. Draw
The Bet
The draw can be backed at 16/5 with William Hill. Avoid backing any potential United scorers until the teams are published, but Paul Scholes would appear to have a strong chance of playing. He can be backed at 11/2 with Paddy Power to score anytime. Also, for a bit of fun, a red card can be backed at 13/2 with Paddy Power
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