Vieira is out with his knee injury (see PlanetFootball for more hopeful quotes from Paddy, but it's still at least a fortnight he'll be out), and David Seaman has not recovered from the flu which kept him out of the side against Man Utd on Wednesday.

In addition, Edu has sustained knee cartilage damage in training since coming on for Vieira, and there are fears that he will miss the rest of the season. Fortunately Ray Parlour has recovered from his hamstring problem, but it's yet to be tested in serious conditions. If we really are without Paddy and Edu for the run-in, Parlour is an absolute must.

Sol Campbell is doubtful also with a virus. Things are looking bad regarding his availability for the run-in. Ref Mark Halsey has upheld his decision, saying "The sending off was for violent conduct. I saw enough of it but just got confirmation from my assistant. I said to Sol as he came into the dressing room afterwards that he was entitled to send the video to the FA if he felt he had a case and they would send the video to me. I'm satisfied with my decision. I've seen it again and I'm happy with it." Arsenal are said to be apeealing the decision, and if it did go to the video panel then there might be a slight hope (Gary Mabbutt is firmly on Sol's side, and sits on the panel, although I wouldn;t be surprised if the fact that he's already been so outspoken on the matter might make them use someone else). But it seems to me that the appeal might not even get that far. The ref and linesman combined think they saw all they needed to, and (sometimes) the FA/League say that the video panel only look at things not seen by the match officials.

Franny Jeffers is definitely out with a minor knee injury (which presumably is why he was missing from the bench on Wednesday).

George Boateng has recovered from injury but only just, so the impressive Brazilian Doriva (man of the match in their game at Man City) might deputise again. Michael Ricketts is back from an achilles injury but may also have to be satisfied with a place on the bench.

The good news is that left back Geremi is a non-starter, so Luke Wilkshire is likely to get a rare game. He's the man unlucky to be red carded at Highbury earlier in the season, a game in which Boro did little to suggest they were capable of scoring, but defended well thanks mostly to the superb central partnership of Ehiogu and Southgate.

But Boro have a good home record this season. It's not going to be easy. Up front they seem to have a bit more going for them now, and the threat is likely to come from Christie and Juninho.

The Premier League have confirmed that Arsenal and Man Utd will have a play-off match at a neutral venue if they finish level on points, goals scored, and goal difference. William Hill are offering odds of 250-1 against it happening. Don't waste your money!