‘Boro, as the pre-season, public (bookies as well) top favorite for winning Championship lie at embarrassing 22nd place with just one point more than bottom side (today’s opponent). Fans got what they wanted as Gordon Strachan faced the exit door and his place took the clubs legend and ex skipper Tony Mowbray (also fans’ wish). So they still possess great potential and with new manager syndrome and big support from the crowds, ‘Boro should start collecting points and climbing on the table. Also, Mowbray probably couldn’t wish a better opponent for the start of his era at Riverside. Only doubtful is Julio Arca. Defender Justin Hoyte is still sidelined, while midfielder Thompson has recovered from an injury. ‘Boro lost just twice in last 30 home encounters against City, winning 22.
The Robins are almost in the similar position as Middlesbrough (except they were tipped for play-off, not direct promotion). They’re on the bottom, hardly showing any sign of possible improvements. They made 2 decent results in last two rounds however (both at home), defeating Reading 1-0 and holding on a draw QPR 1-1. But, away record looks terrible as they won just once of six (Scunthorpe 2-0) and conceded 3 times in both of last two. Defense line is far from being tough that characterized the team in previous seasons, while David James is just a shadow from him in past few years. Also, his statement that he was drunk when he accepted to come in Bristol surely didn’t improve the dressing room atmosphere. Midfielders, Cole Skuse and Jamal Campbell-Ryce, are facing a late fitness test while defender Christian Ribeiro is definitely out.
I expect a very positive reaction on the Mowbray’s appointment, from the players and from the fans as well. Squad has great potential and I expect them to start showing it. City won’t relegate, soon will move away from the bottom but I don’t give them too much chances today. They’re simply at the wrong place in the wrong time. 2-0 correct score.
Bet: Middlesbrough -0.75
Odd: 2.08 188bet
Stake: 7/10
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It finally happened, Blackpool have lost at home in 10th game. Club hold (for them) very high 8th place, but they’re typical home team. Their pitch, Bloomfield Road, has smaller dimensions and the grounds are closer than usual which give a strong support to home team. However, they’ve been noticing a drop in results lately. Have just one win in last six games (Scunthorpe United 4-1, at home) and in last two at home noticed just one point (Preston 1-1). At Saturday, also at home, lost vs. Barnsley. They put a decent display, got a lead, but conceded two goals in the last five minutes. Striker Ben Burgess and midfielder Billy Clarke are both out after picking up knee injuries. 
Dinamo is one of the Russian giants, team with the rich history. In the previous season, they reached the third place (behind Rubin and CSKA) and got the chance to fight for Champions League group stage. This will be the first time that the club has taken part in the competition since its re-branding from the European Cup in 1992.. And the lack of experience playing in Europe will be the additional problem for the visitors. The biggest advantage is they’re in full competition shape. Dinamo played the half games in Russian league, while Scottish starts at August 15th. After 15 games played in domain competition, Dinamo hold 5th place with real chance to qualify for Europe, again. In the last round, in city’s derby game against Locomotiv Moscow, they played a draw (1-1), with another goal by Alexandr Kerzakhov (seven goals in 11 appearances, so far), who definitely will be the biggest threat for home’s net. The captain and very important midfielder, Dmitry Khokhlov is suspended, while the acquisition from Portugal side Braga, Luis Aguiar still isn’t fully fit and won’t appear. It is expected the talented youngsters Smolov, Kokorin and Svezhov get the chance tonight, but the big question is how they’ll react on hot atmosphere on Celtic Park.
