Middlesbrough's top scorer Mido is expected miss tomorrow night's Carling Cup third round tie at Manchester United after missing their 2-0 derby defeat at Sunderland with a groin strain. The Egyptian, who has four goals already this season, had to withdraw from the Wear-Tees clash just 20 minutes before kick-off after breaking down in the warm-up.
With Tuncay Sanli sidelined with a knee injury for at least another month, manager Gareth Southgate has the option of pairing Afonso Alves with Jeremie Aliadiere or Marvin Emnes, or alternatively he may opt to stick with the 4-5-1 formation he employed at Sunderland.
Teemu Tainio is not expected to play in Sunderland's home tie with Northampton after he injured his shoulder against Middlesbrough. Michael Chopra, who scored twice after replacing Tainio just before half-time on Saturday, is struggling with a dead leg, while striker Kenwyne Jones (knee) and goalkeeper Darren Ward (back) remain on manager Roy Keane's injury list. George McCartney is cup-tied for the game after playing in West Ham's 4-1 win over Macclesfield in the previous round.
Elsewhere, deadline day signings Michael Tonge and Tom Soares are expected to make their full debuts for Stoke City in their home tie with Reading.
Tonge, signed from Sheffield United, has so far been restricted to a 10-minute appearance as a substitute against Everton, while former Crystal Palace midfielder Soares is yet to feature at all. Ricardo Fuller, who only appeared as a late substitute after picking up a bug before Saturday's draw at Liverpool, may play a part, otherwise Tony Pulis will field a largely second string side.
