Speaking at Thursday's pre-match press conference, Boro's striker turned winger Jeremie Aliadiere talked tactics, targets and tackling Hull City.
Aliadiere is looking forward to the game but is aware that Hull may provide Boro with a real challenge.
"They surprised a lot of people. They have got good results against very good teams. It is obviously goning to be a very difficult game.
"They were a Championship team coming up. You don't really pay attention to them, you think they will just be fighting relegation. But they deserve to be where they are because of the way they are playing this season.
"They've got some really good players, they are hard working and they are doing really well.
"I'm looking forward to the game."
Former Boro skipper George Boateng has been prominant for the Tigers and Aliadiere is pleased to be coming up against his old team mate.
"He is a really good friend. I met him last year when I came to the club and he really helped me settle in. It's a bit sad he's gone, I respect him. I'll be happy to see him again."
And Boro's patchy home form is a cause for concern which means a win away on Saturday would give the team a real boost.
Aliadiere said:
"Of course, we have had a really good run away from home. We had two games at home thinking we could get points out of them. We had two chances against Newcastle and played better, but it was disappointing to get only one point so we need to go to Hull and get something.
"We have got to get back to the form we were in before.
"We are very confident in travelling as away from home we are a good team. Aston Villa was a great result for us and if we play how we have been playing away we should get something there [Hull].
"It doesn't matter to the players, we want to win every game anyway.
"We work as hard at home as we do away and prepare in exactly the same way. It is just not happening at home at the moment."
"The way we defend is very compact and that works better away from home. Maybe that is why we are better away from home."
Despite these concerns, the Frenchman is enjoying the rollercoaster ride of this season's Premier League:
"The table is so tight. You win one week, lose the week after, it is up and down. It is exciting for us, for every player.
He also praised team mate Afonso Alves, saying:
"He's a great player and a great finisher. In training he's one of the best at the club but they just aren't going in. He just needs that first goal to get his season back on track.
"You can't say you are trying too hard because you are always trying to score.
"At Liverpool he didn't score but he was still a fantastic player. He just needs a bit of confidence, that is what I think."
And on the subject of his own finishing, he is sticking to his fifteen goal target.
"Yes, of course it is still my target. "At the beginning of the season, I said that I wanted to score more goals but playing in midfield it is more difficult. "In training we are working hard on the defensive aspects, just attack and counter attack, but it is difficult for me to get in positions to score goals."
And any chance of a couple on Saturday?
"That would be good yes!"
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 6/12/2008
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