Both Middlesbrough and Sheffield United endured contrasting fortunes in terms of late drama on Saturday afternoon. Boro drew level in the seventh minute of additional time at Millwall, whereas Sheffield United lost 2-1 in the 85th minute after going a goal up at home to Swansea City.
Middlesbrough started the game slowly at The Den against Millwall and were fortunate to go in at the break just two goals down. Costly mistakes didn’t go unpunished and Millwall could have been four goals to the good by the hour mark.
Boro showed incredible character to get back into the game, with goals in the 87th and 97th minute to earn a point. They will be buoyed by the hard fought result and will be hoping to take the momentum into their next game against Sheffield United.
It is unclear whether Adama Traore will play given he is set to move to Wolves according to reports, and Dani Ayala, Paddy McNair and Rudy Gestede are all expected to miss the game through injury.
On the other hand, Sheffield United dominated the game against Swansea and deservedly led in the game thanks to George Baldock. But the Swans came back to draw level and eventually win the game in the latter stages of the second half.
There are no fresh injury concerns for the Blades, who will be looking to get their first points on the board away at The Riverside this week.
This will be a difficult game for Middlesbrough, who looked incredibly shaky at the back without Ben Gibson and Dani Ayala. Both of whom will be missing with Gibson having joined Burnley this week and Ayala still sidelined with injury.
It will be interesting to see if Boro start the game with the team that finished the clash with Millwall, with youngsters Marcus Tavernier and Lewis Wing possibly being given a starting berth over Grant Leadbitter and Stewart Downing.
