Cardiff City v Middlesbrough: Pulis planning to be '˜home' wrecker with Boro

WITH A combined age of nearly 130 and almost 65 years of collective experience in the dug-out, Tony Pulis and Neil Warnock pit their wits against each other today in an intriguing Championship battle of the managerial '˜golden oldies'.
Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis.Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis.
Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis.

Warnock is gunning for a record eighth promotion of his lengthy managerial career with his Cardiff side currently well positioned and just one point behind second-placed Aston Villa.

While considerable sections of the Principality will be willing on Warnock in his pursuit of history, a select few will be backing the visiting manager this afternoon as he eyes a rewarding return to his homeland.

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Welshman Pulis, born in nearby Newport, will certainly not be short in the support stakes as he aims to orchestrate a keynote win for Middlesbrough, searching for a catalyst to ignite their top-six bid ahead of the business end of the season.

Pulis said: “It is going back home for me really, back to south Wales. I like to see the Welsh teams all doing well, but I will be doubly determined to win the game though.

“My wife has got about eight going and I have got a few going as well, so we have got a lot of family and friends going to the game. Most of them will be hoping and praying that Middlesbrough win.

“It is going to be a tough game, they (Cardiff) have done brilliant. If you look at the league position, they are there for a reason.

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“They have got an identity. They all know what they are doing and all know what they are trying to do and achieve. I think the most important thing is that we try and stick to what we have been doing.”

Boro will run a late check on forward Rudy Gestede, who has struggled with a back problem since last weekend’s game against Reading.

The former Aston Villa forward has not trained for a “couple of days” and will be assessed before a decision is made.

Last six games: WDLWDW Middlesbrough LWLDLW.

Referee: D Bond (Lancashire).

Last time: Cardiff 1 Middlesbrough 0; October 20, 2015; Championship.