, PREVIEW: Another tough test for Middlesbrough as they look to secure play-off spot

PREVIEW: Another tough test for Middlesbrough as they look to secure play-off spot

Middlesbrough’s run-in doesn’t get any easier after their recent fixtures against play-off chasing rivals Sheffield United, Bristol City and Derby County. They face Millwall in a must-not-lose game for Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

The Riverside will surely be rocking on Saturday evening, as Millwall travel to the home of Middlesbrough as fifth plays seventh. The two sides had contrasting afternoons last weekend, with Middlesbrough beating Derby County, another side in the play-off pack, whereas Millwall suffered a damaging home defeat to Fulham.

Middlesbrough’s record against teams in the top ten was poor to say the least, but back-to-back wins against 10th-placed Bristol City and sixth-placed Derby County showed that they have the grit and guile to win when they need to against the teams in and around them.

The main man for the home side will be Adama Traore who has assisted Middlesbrough’s last four goals, taking his tally to 10 for the season. The winger was once seen as the fall-guy, but has since become one of the division’s most exciting and devastating players.

Patrick Bamford missed the huge game last weekend at Pride Park against his old side, after an injury suffered in the previous game against Bristol City. But he could be back in contention on the weekend, although Britt Assombalonga didn’t do his chances of a starting berth any harm after scoring what proved to be the decisive goal.

Millwall on the other hand are a difficult side to predict. They were fresh off a 17-game unbeaten run in the Championship before the Fulham Friday night fixture. But they were overturned quite comfortably in the second half after dominating in the opening exchanges.

The Lions will be without veteran and fan-favourite Tim Cahill on Saturday. The 38-year old appeared to throw an elbow into the face of Fulham right-back Ryan Fredericks, and the Australian-international has accepted a three-match ban for violent conduct.

This will be an open game with lots of chances for both sides, but both Millwall and Middlesbrough will have to be at their best if they want to prevail. A draw would be a good result for Middlesbrough, but a win for the Teessiders would secure their spot in the Play-Offs.

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