Middlesbrough could take one step closer to being relegated from the Premier League in today’s mid-day kick off as they face a Manchester United side looking to push on for yet another domestic crown.

United look set to name a weaker side as they prepare for Tuesday’s vital Champions League encounter, but it is a game they would like to win to keep the pressure on their title contenders, Liverpool.

Sir Alex Ferguson has voiced his frustration at having an early kick off after a mid-week European tie, but the United squad looks near to full strength with only Rio Ferdinand ruled out with a rib injury.

Ferguson said: “You’d think that people in offices think about it but when you shake hands with the devil you pay the price.”

The early kick off will force Fergie to field a number of fringe players and maybe give starts to right back Rafael Da Silva, central defender Johnny Evans as well as midfielders Darren Gibson and Nani. Wes Brown may also get a look in after a long spell out with injury.

Middlesbrough currently sit second bottom of the table and manager, Gareth Southgate, will have to do anything he can to get some vital points on the board. However, it seems unlikely that whichever 11 United have on the pitch, they may just have too much quality for Boro to save their skin.

Club captain, Emanuel Pogatetz is a doubt after picking up a knock in training, but French under 21 midfielder, Didier Digard could feature although the game may be a little too soon for him.

A victory for United will seem them solidify their position at the top of the table. It is unlikely that Sir Alex will be satisfied with anything less than a victory at the Riverside stadium as he continues his pursuit of Liverpool’s historic record of domestic success.

A defeat for Boro will see them solidified in their position at the root of the table and could mean that the club are almost certain to play Championship football next season. However, they will not get a better chance to beat United than today. The Champions League will obviously be on the mind of the United boss so Boro have to be on top from the first whistle if they are to have any chance of victory.

Their good record against United in recent encounters will buoy Middlesbrough but the past is rendered irrelevant with the importance of this game for the Tyneside club. They have pulled off good results against Liverpool and Arsenal at home so United would be wrong in thinking that the game is a formality as Boro look set to be resilient and scrap for whatever they can.

United will want to win this one as much as any other game. With this attitude in Ferguson’s mind it will be an uphill task for Middlesbrough to get anything more than a point. The importance of the match could make the Boro players raise their game but it is unlikely that they will be able to overhaul the quality and squad strength the United ultimately possess