Defender Emanuel Pogatetz will join suspended duo Lee Cattermole and James Morrison on the sidelines for Boro's clash with Watford. The Austrian central defender picked up his tenth booking of the campaign for a foul on West Ham's Carlos Tevez is Saturday's pathetic 2-0 defeat at Upton Park. As a result he will now serve a two-match ban so will miss this weekend's visit of rock-bottom Watford to the Riverside in what is now a must-win game for Boro who are just six points clear of the relegation places. Pogatetz's absence will mean German stopper Robert Huth, who played for the final 20 minutes against the Hammers following his return from a broken foot, is set to start alongside Jonathan Woodgate against the Hornets. Boss Gareth Southgate will also be without midfield duo Cattermole and Morrison who are also banned, while Argentinian star Julio Arca is hoping to be fit from a groin injury. Southgate said: "It's always disappointing when you lose players through suspension or injury, but we have a squad here.
Before we start thinking about 'taking them' why don't we just concentrate on ensuring we play like we did on Saturday.
I would be happy with a repeat of last sats performance, as that would be good enough to get 3 points.
