Middlesbrough v Everton: Boro being over-confident would be mistake, says Karanka

Middlesbrough's head coach Aitor Karanka (Picture: Bruce Rollinson).

The televised tie pits Aitor Karanka against his compatriot and good friend Roberto Martinez, who wrote a letter of congratulations to the Boro chief following his appointment two years ago, later speaking to him on the telephone.

Martinez told Karanka that he was in the “best place” to start his managerial odyssey in England following his arrival on the Riverside Stadium and evidence over the past couple of years has conclusively confirmed that.

Boro knocked out Manchester United in the previous round at Old Trafford, but Karanka insists tonight’s tie is every bit as tough.

Karanka said: “They (Everton) are very dangerous.

“They have a really good squad and they have a really good and amazing manager.

“Roberto is doing an amazing job, not just at Everton but since he arrived in England.”

The Basque added: “We are close to the top of the table and we beat Manchester United in the last round and I am feeling the atmosphere of a little bit of over-confidence and that would be a big mistake.

“That would be our biggest mistake – to think that the game will be easy because we beat Manchester City and United and we played very well against Liverpool and Arsenal in cups.

“If we had a really good performance against those teams it was because we were working for more than 90 minutes, fighting and working very hard.”

The Merseysiders will be roared on by a sell-out 4,800 away contingent tonight.

Everton had three epic duels with Boro in the FA Cup fourth-round in 1988 – while a cup quarter-final loss at the Riverside in 2002 was the prelude to Walter Smith’s sacking.

Martinez said: “He (Karanka) has brought a clear philosophy and (Boro) were very unfortunate not to get promoted last year.

“It’s only a matter of time before Boro get promoted again – that’s how strong they are.”

Last six games: Middlesbrough WWWLWW, Everton LWWDWD.

Referee: R East (Wiltshire).

Last time: Middlesbrough 0 Everton 1; December 26, 2008; Premier League.