MIDDLESBROUGH will field an attacking line-up at Arsenal today in the hope of pulling off a surprise result in their drive to stay in the Premier League.

While Afonso Alves has been dropped to the bench at the Emirates Stadium, manager Gareth Southgate will still play Jeremie Aliadiere and Marlon King as two strikers.

And with Tuncay Sanli asked to provide the creativity as an attacking midfielder, alongside the defensively minded Matthew Bates, the intention is clear. Gary O'Neil returns to the right of midfield.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will not field their strongest team, although they still name Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott in a strong line-up.

ARSENAL (4-4-2): Almunia; Eboue, Toure, Silvestre, Gibbs; Walcott, Denilson, Fabregas, Nasri; Arshavin, Bendtner. Subs: Diaby, Sagna, Vela, Song, Djourou, Fabianski, Adebayor.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Jones; McMahon, Wheater, Huth, Taylor; O’Neil, Bates, Tuncay, Downing; Aliadiere, King. Subs: Hoyte, Digard, Emnes, Alves, Turnbull, Johnson, Grounds.