BORO are likely to be without Robert Huth when they face Chelsea on Sunday but Gareth Southgate is backing the partnership of David Wheater and Emanuel Pogatetz to continue to blossom.

Huth pulled out of the Germany squad in midweek after his first call-up to the international arena in two years.

"It doesn't look like we'll have Robert for Sunday but that gives Wheats and Emanuel a chance to continue their partnership and it's an area where we've been quite strong lately," said Southgate.

"There's bruising in Robert's foot which is causing him more discomfort than he's able to play with. It is a frustration for him as well as to us as a team."

Fabio Rochemback and Mido are suspended but there are no fresh injury concerns for Boro after the hectic programme of midweek international fixtures.

Luke Young limped out of the Derby game with a hamstring problem and although he hasn't trained this week he should be fit to continue at right-back.

Avram Grant's team have a formidable home record but Southgate genuinely believes his side can continue their record of putting a spanner in the works of the title contenders.

"We've had good results against the top teams before, we've won at Old Trafford before and we've scored at Old Trafford, the Emirates Stadium and Anfield so we go into it in good spirits believing we can go there and get a win," he said.

"You can go into games against the bigger teams and you've conceded to them before you go out.

"We're a team who on our day can beat the best and what we've got to do is make sure that day happens more consistently.

"We know we've got to be at our very best and hope Chelsea have a day when they're not at their very best.

"We've got three very tough games coming up and they'll all be tough but we want to finish the season strongly.

"We've got two games where people don't expect us to get very much but we want to have a real go at."

Skipper John Terry is a doubt after injuring his hamstring in England's defeat in France, while Frank Lampard, who missed that game with a virus is Chelsea's other major worry.

Petr Cech is hoping to return in goal in place of deputy Carlo Cudicini.