Middlesbrough suffered a huge set back in their 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United, and resultantly dropped out of the top six for the first time in weeks. This means Boro now have just four games to turn it around and reach the play-offs.
Lee Evans’ brace put the pressure on Middlesbrough, sandwiched either side of Grant Leadbitter’s red card midway through the first half. Daniel Ayala got his second goal in as many games to pull one back but it was not enough to get anything from the game. The result leaves Middlesbrough in 7th place, but what are the chances of achieving a top six finish?
Form
Going into the final four games of the season, Middlesbrough’s form has been hit and miss of late. They have only won one of their last five games, losing two and drawing two. However, they have had some difficult fixtures, playing promotion rivals Brentford, Wolves and Sheffield United in those last five.
Their performances have certainly been below par in recent weeks, especially compared to the standard set last month as they won five games out of seven across February and March.
Tony Pulis’ men must get a good return on their remaining fixtures and look to replicate the form shown last month if they want to finish in the play-off positions.
Poor record against top ten sides
Defeats to play-off and promotion rivals have been commonplace this season, and Middlesbrough have only managed two wins against any side in the top 10. This record was only harmed further with a draw against Brentford and defeats to Wolves and Sheffield United in recent games.
Middlesbrough face Bristol City, Derby and Millwall in their next three games, who sit 8th, 5th and 6th respectively, and if Boro’s poor record is anything to go by they don’t stand much of a chance here. Also, when facing Bristol City, Derby and Millwall earlier in the season, Middlesbrough lost all three fixtures.
But Tony Pulis will take heart from their victories against Sheffield United and Preston earlier in the season and will have to analyse the good aspects of their game that caused problems for these top sides.
