Soccer: Venables looking for lucky 13

Terry Venables is hoping to avoid bad luck in his 13th game in charge after remaining unbeaten in the opening 12.

Wimbledon could be the team to end the run as Boro travel to London for the FA Cup fourth round replay.

This may be as stern a test as Venables has faced especially considering the form Wimbledon are in.

Venables said: "It's obviously a good fixture for them. They earned their right to a replay. I'd love to have solved it in the first game, but whatever it is, we'll have to deal with it."

For all Boro are unbeaten since December 16, they have drawn their last five games, and with the tie certain to be played to a conclusion, they have no option but to improve upon that if they are to progress in the competition.

But that will not affect the way Venables sets up his team.

"We try to win every game," he said. "I make no excuses for drawing matches because a little while ago, everyone would have been delighted. Then you get a few results and the expectancy gets higher.

"I've got to play the game that I feel suits the players here. We are throwing more and more men forward and we're making chances at home.

"As far as I'm concerned, things are going okay, but we would like to start winning games, just like everyone else."

Venables is particularly disappointed to lose French star Christian Karembeu following his return to form in recent weeks.

The former Real Madrid star damaged his eye in a tussle at Aston Villa on Saturday, and could also be a doubt for the weekend.

"He went to the specialist and he's got to go again on Tuesday, so that rules him out," said Venables. "He's grazed the eyeball and can't see out of it.

"If he covers his good eye, his vision is blurred. He should be all right, but he needs a week.

"He's been doing well. He's slowly getting right into his game and he's a good threat to the opposition.

"He started off playing a lot deeper against Chelsea, and we've pushed him more and more forward as the games have gone on, and whichever way we've played him, he's done well and I've been pleased with his performances."