As we enter the crucial stage of the season with only two games remaining, Middlesbrough fans are watching through their fingers as their team sit second in the table locked on the same number of points as their two rivals Burnley and Brighton.
With an away fixture on Friday against Birmingham and a home fixture ‘decider’ against Brighton on the final day we look at the 9 different permutations that will see the Boro promoted. So put the abacus away but concentrate hard, it could get confusing. (Especially given the fact that only two goals separate the top three goal difference).
Obviously the simplest of scenarios would be for Boro to win their final two games, if they do, they are up. Nice and simple, but being a Boro fan means that there is a distinct possibility that life won’t be so straight forward and so we delve into the uncertainty and implausible situations that this division continually throws up and look at what the ramifications will be for every possible result and occurrence. These permutations will ensure Boro get promotion ahead of Brighton.
1. Boro win-Brighton win
If Boro beat Birmingham on Friday and Brighton defeat Derby on Bank holiday Monday and the goal difference remains +1 for Middlesbrough, a draw in the final game will do as the points would be equal but Boro would have superior goal difference.
2. Boro win-Brighton draw
If Karanka orchestrates a win for the Teesider’s on Friday and Brighton only muster a draw against Derby then, again a draw would suffice on the final day with a comfortable 2 point gap.
