FA Cup - Will Southgate Be At The Helm?

Last Updated : 08-Feb-2009 by


But let's be honest, he is struggling but Boro put in a spirited performance against City.

Kept their shape, did as much industry in midfield as the home side, and only fell to a sucker punch from Craig Bellamy.

But is it enough to keep him in the job?

Will he be in the dug-out at Upton Park on Saturday for Boro's fifth round FA Cup against West Ham?

You tell us.

Boro created several good goalscoring opportunities, just about every one falling to Alves, who failed three times when one-on-one with goalkeeper Shay Given.

The result left Boro stuck in the drop zone level on 22 points with bottom club West Brom, but Southgate says he will not walk away from the Riverside as he targets five wins from the final 13 matches to keep the Teessiders in the top flight.

Southgate: "There is no chance of me walking out on this challenge. I am not shirking my responsibility.

"The fortunate thing for us is that the league is so tight but we probably need five wins to stay in the division."

The league pressure will off on Saturday as we play in the FA Cup, but will this City defeat be Southgate's last?

FA CUP

Saturday 14th February 2009  

Blackburn  v  Coventry 15.00
 
Sheff Utd  v  Hull City 15.00
 
Swansea City  v  Fulham 12.45
 
Watford  v  Chelsea 17.30
 
West Ham  v  Middlesbrough 15.00
 
Sunday 15th February 2009  

Derby  v  Man Utd 16.30
 
Everton  v  Aston Villa 14.30
 
Monday 16th February 2009  

Arsenal  v  Cardiff City 19.45