3. Sheffield United (A) – 10th April
Middlesbrough have only beaten two of the top nine sides in the league, with Sheffield United being one of those.
United have faced a difficult run of fixtures of late, and have been hit and miss in terms of results. Similar to Middlesbrough, their record against teams above them has been poor, and Middlesbrough will be hoping Sheffield United’s wretched form against the top teams works in their favour.
4. Bristol City (H) – 14th April
The reverse fixture was one of the final nails in the coffin for previous manager Garry Monk. Boro were outfought, outplayed and outscored at Ashton Gate as they lost 2-1 to two very similar goals.
Bristol were on a great run of form then, fresh off the back of wins against promotion rivals Cardiff and Fulham. Form they would take forward into the Carabao Cup.
But similar to the Wolves game for Middlesbrough, their downfall was defensive mistakes, of which have since been minimised.
With the season drawing to a close, this game may decide one of the teams’ fates in regards to the Play-Offs in May.
5. Derby (A) – 21st April
Equally, this game holds similar consequences for both sides.
Derby were a side who were challenging for an automatic spot just a few months ago, but a recent poor run of form has seen their automatic hopes get away from them. The Rams have recorded just three wins in their last 13 games, and are without a win in six.
Middlesbrough were thumped 3-0 at the Riverside by Derby, and will need to be resolute and clinical if they are to hurt this Derby side this time around. However, if County’s run of form continues, Middlesbrough could make easy work of them at the end of April.
