Arca for Queudrue ia very much a like-for-like change but the loss of the new boss and JFH have weakened the squad, in particular the loss of Southgate.
Boro have tried without success to bring in a replacement centre half but have failed on a couple of fronts. First Robert Huth failed a medical then more recently Sylvain Distin stalled over talks after Boro and Manchester City agreed a fee.
The replacement of JFH is not so pressing with Yakubu and Mark Viduka set to start the season upfront, with Massimo Maccarone and the rejuvenated Malcolm Christie waiting in the wings.
The midfield remains somewhat unchanged with Lee Cattermole likely to feature more after the departure of Doriva. Boro did try to bring in Steed Malbranque, Joey Barton and Brett Emerton to strengthen the midfield but failed on all three counts.
In goal Mark Schwarzer will have Ross Turnbull as his No.2 while Brad Jones spends three months on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
There is still time before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, lets hope we can bring in some new blood to keep the squad on it's toes.
The likely team for tomorrows opener at Reading is:
Schwarzer, Parnaby, Riggott, Bates, Arca, Morrison, Rochemback, Boateng, Downing, Yakubu, Viduka.