In their last game of 2006, Middlesbrough travelled to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers were they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat. Shabani Nonda handed Rovers a lead as early as the ninth minute but Yakubu (61) rescued Boro from the spot until on 74 minutes when Benni McCarthy won the game for the Ewood Park club.
They were due to welcome back James Morrison to the Boro line-up and was set to replace Gaizka Mendieta with Abel Xavier left on the bench.
Left Full-Back Julio Arca will be missing from the squad, the former Sunderland Argentinean is struggling to shake off a hip injury whilst Robert Huth (foot) will not be back until at least mid-January.
The North East outfit will also be without the services of; Matthew Bates (Achilles), Ray Parlour (groin) and Anthony McMahon (broken leg). They will also be without Ugo Ehiogu (Achilles), however he has been missing recently from the Riverside whilst been on loan at Leeds United.
Possible Boro Line-Up: Mark Schwarzer, Andrew Taylor, Jonathan Woodgate, Stuart Parnaby, Emanuel Pogatetz, Andrew Davies, James Morrison, Lee Cattermole, Stewart Downing, George Boateng, Yakubu Aiyegbeni.
Against Arsenal at Bramall Lane; Sheffield United beat last seasons Champions League finalists with a single goal from striker Christian Nadé.
The Blades list four injuries on their list; striker Neil Shipperley (calf) and Chinese international Midfielder Li Tie (leg haematoma), both players are reserve team members and don't effect the starting eleven though we do wish that they return to action soon.
Defensive-Midfielder Mikele Leigertwood who has been in light training with an ankle injury as took a set back and will need a few more days to get back to full fitness.
Meanwhile reserve team goalkeeper Ian Bennett is out with a broken finger, should Neil Warnock chose to name a substitute keeper then Paul Gerrard will take his place.
However Rob Hulse, Leigh Bromby and Captain Chris Morgan all currently have four bookings - if either one of them receives a yellow or card card they will miss the game at the Riverside.
Possible Blades Line-Up: Paddy Kenny, Robert Kozluk, Chris Morgan, Claude Davis, Derek Geary, Keith Gillespie, Phil Jagielka, Michael Tonge, Stephen Quinn, Rob Hulse, Danny Webber.
Last Time: 1997-98 - Middlesbrough 1-2 Sheffield United
* Please note that Middlesbrough preview was written before Arsenal match on 30 December 2006; therefore some information may be incorrect.