MANCHESTER City go in search of a small piece of club history when they travel to Middlesbrough on Saturday.

After collecting three points at Birmingham and West Brom, the Blues are seeking to win three consecutive Premiership away games for the first time ever.

But Kevin Keegan's side's chances at the Riverside have been hit by the continuing problems of Dutch defender Gerard Wiekens.

The reliable 29-year-old, who was outstanding in the recent derby win over United, has been laid low by a flu bug for a week and was due back in training today.

But instead he saw a doctor and his chances of playing look slim.

Keegan must again do without first choice defenders Steve Howey and Sylvain Distin.

The Frenchman is back in full work after a hamstring pull but will not be risked before the visit of Bolton in a eight days time.

Marc Vivien Foe is ruled out through a one-match ban leaving the way clear for Kevin Horlock to make a start in midfield.

Hat-trick

If Wiekens is not fit, then Jihai Sun will stay in the back three and Shaun Wright-Phillips in midfield.

Wright-Phillips has been away with England's under 21s this week even though he is carrying a slight calf strain.

Keegan is ready to stick with Nicolas Anelka and Shaun Goater up front, but Darren Huckerby came close to getting the nod after a hat-trick in the Reserves against Leeds in midweek.

Boro have a formidable home record even though they have fallen off the pace at the top thanks to three successive away defeats.

Keegan, who lives close to Middlesbrough, is only too aware that this will be the hardest of away fixtures.

"I think they have a good start but have not won for a while and that happens because this league sometimes just jumps up and hits you but they are a very decent side, make no mistake about that," said the City chief. "They have changed a lot since Steve McClaren took over and everyone I have spoken to has been impressed with the football they have been playing.

"People who live near me and watch them tell me they have enjoyed the football they have been seeing this season.

"They are winning home games and are difficult to beat away and that is a decent recipe in this league.

"We have got to go and put in another solid performance.

"It is another chance for me to look at the depth of the squad again and fair dos to the lads, those who have come in so far this season, have not let us down.

"Last week against Charlton I don't think we deserved to lose but we didn't do enough to win because we never got a head of steam up. That must not happen tomorrow.

"There was plenty of effort but not a lot of inspiration in that game but we couldn't raise a gallop for long enough to make people think we might win the game, and at home that is doubly disappointing.

"We have an opportunity to close within touching distance of Middlesbrough, who are perceived to be having a good season. That is how tight it is in the table at the moment.

"Momentum at this time of the season is vital because by the time Christmas is over, there will be gaps and we want to make sure we are in the middle to top chunk, and not the bottom."

Boro are likely to name the same side that lost 1-0 in their defeat at Chelsea though midfielder George Boateng could yet miss out because his wife is due to give birth.

Key battle: Gareth Southgate v Nicolas Anelka

After a turbulent week that saw him snub a late call-up to the French squad and almost earn himself a domestic ban, Anelka will be keen to put his troubles behind him as City face 'Boro.

The Blues striker deserved a place in the national team having made an impressive start to his City career with seven league goals.

Anelka's demoliton of the Manchester United backline was watched by France coach Jacques Santini and yet somehow he still missed out on the initial squad. However if he performs to the same level against Boro he is sure to give Southgate a testing time.

The Boro man, though, will relish the challenge. He has firmly established himself as one of the league's top defenders and will be confident of snuffing Anelka's threat.

Recent form: City LWLWW Boro LWLLD

Head to Head

City v Boro: P 109 W 44 L 41 D 24 Premiership P 6 W 0 L 4 D 2

Key Facts: Middlesbrough are unbeaten at home this season ( five wins, two draws)
City have never beaten Middlesbrough in the Premiership
City have failed to beat Boro away since the 70s

Referee: Neale Barry

Last meeting: M'Boro 1 Man City 1 (2000/01)

Prediction: Boro 1 Manchester City 1

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