McClaren fears Robson title charge

The Middlesbrough manager, Steve McClaren, believes that Newcastle United have what it takes to seize their title chance if Arsenal or Manchester United slip up during the Premiership run-in.

Newcastle are level on points with Manchester United, eight points adrift of the champions, and United still have to go to St James' Park.

Middlesbrough will be seeking revenge for a 2-0 defeat on Tyneside when they tackle the Magpies at the Riverside Stadium tonight, and McClaren is under no illusions about how difficult it will be to beat Sir Bobby Robson's men.

"I'm sure if Arsenal slip up Newcastle will be there or thereabouts and ready to cash in," McClaren said. "Man United have a good team, are second in the League, and doing well in Europe but they will have to win every game to achieve their aspirations."

McClaren believes Boro were unfortunate to return empty-handed from St James' Park – "we caused Newcastle problems" – and recognises that tonight's match is a "crucial game" for both sides.

Newcastle need points to boost their title challenge and Middlesbrough need a win to end their fears of relegation. Boro have lost only once before their own fans, against Aston Villa, but have recovered from that setback with an unbeaten three-match run.

The former Derby centre-back Chris Riggott has been ruled out against the Magpies. The England Under-21 international has undergone an operation for a torn cartilage after being injured against Everton last Saturday.

The former Aston Villa player Ugo Ehiogu could take over. Ehiogu, who suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung at Blackburn on New Year's Day, proved his fitness in a 45-minute appearance as a substitute against Everton.

The striker Malcolm Christie, who, along with Riggott, was signed from Derby during the transfer window, is rated doubtful with a virus. The Italian forward Massimo Maccarone could come into contention after scoring four goals for the reserves last week and laying on Juninho's equaliser against Everton.

McClaren would not be drawn on whether the Brazilian will be in his starting line-up. Juninho had his first taste of Premiership action this season last Saturday. The former Atletico Madrid player gave the team – and the fans – a lift when he was introduced for the second half against Everton.

McClaren said: "It will depend how Juninho feels and how he looks in training. You cannot expect him to be at his best at the present time."

The Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer is a doubt for tonight's game after suffering a recurrence of his shin problems in their win over Chelsea on Saturday. Dyer has not trained for the last two days and yesterday underwent X-rays on the shin in which he has previously suffered a stress fracture.

Jermaine Jenas is standing by after recovering from an Achilles problem, while Laurent Robert and Steve Harper return from suspension.