Keith Bertschin's second string will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Blackburn Rovers last week but the Reserves team boss is expected to have experienced striker Clinton Morrison in his side for the game at the Billingham Synthonia.
In the corresponding fixture last season, on 11th April 2004, Blues Reserves chalked up a comfortable 3-1 win against 'Boro in a Saturday lunchtime game where both sides fielded teams made up of mainly academy players.
Blues Reserves have won six, drawn three and lost three of their opening twelve league games this season. A total of 16 goals have been scored in those games, with 13 conceded.
Middlesborough's Reserves have played four games fewer than Blues, winning three times, drawing three and losing twice. While Boro have hit 13 goals in these eight games, 14 have hit the back of the wrong net.
Blues' 21 points from 12 games sees them sitting in fourth place in the Barclays Premiership Reserves League (North) table. Boro currently find themselves tenth with 12 points.
To see a recent reserves league table, click here
In the corresponding fixture last season, on 11th April 2004, Blues Reserves chalked up a comfortable 3-1 win against 'Boro in a Saturday lunchtime game where both sides fielded teams made up of mainly academy players.
| Recent encounters between the teams: | |||||
| 2003/2004 | 11th April | Boro Res | 1 - 3 | Blues Res | PREM |
| 2003/2004 | 3rd Dec | Blues Res | 1 - 3 | Boro Res | PREM |
Blues Reserves have won six, drawn three and lost three of their opening twelve league games this season. A total of 16 goals have been scored in those games, with 13 conceded.
Middlesborough's Reserves have played four games fewer than Blues, winning three times, drawing three and losing twice. While Boro have hit 13 goals in these eight games, 14 have hit the back of the wrong net.
Blues' 21 points from 12 games sees them sitting in fourth place in the Barclays Premiership Reserves League (North) table. Boro currently find themselves tenth with 12 points.
To see a recent reserves league table, click here
| Current form guides: | P | W | D | L | F | A | P |
| Blues Res | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Boro Res | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 1 |
Boro (from): Knight, Pennock, Clough, Owens, Cooper, Davies, Reiziger, Wheater, Grounds, Reed, Wilson, Doriva, Peacock, Graham, Kennedy, Craddock.
Blues: Bennett, Tebily, Painter, Oji, Martin Taylor, Alsop, Till, Kilkenny, Barrowman, Morrison, Motteram. Subs: Bagnall, Hall, Parratt, Birley, Howland.
Kick off at Billingham Synthonia tonight is at 7pm.