Middlesbrough host Bristol City on Saturday in the Championship, both teams in mid table at the moment and Boro have a three point advantage. I'd consider Middlesbrough in the playoff race, while I think it's a stretch for Bristol City to make it, but a win here is the kind of performance that may change my opinion on them.
Middlesbrough Form GuideFrom a really poor start, Middlesbrough have recovered enough to make themselves relevant this season, though I would still argue that overall it has been a disappointing campaign so far. But the good news for them is that the playoff race is tight, they are just four points behind Hull in 6th, and its still all to play for.
They're unbeaten in their last three league games, which is good, but two of those have been draws, so that takes the edge off a little. Last weekend they drew at home to local rivals Sunderland 1-1, drew at home to bottom club Rotherham 1-1 before that, but did win 3-1 away at Millwall in the third of those three games unbeaten.
Bristol City Form GuideI think Bristol City are the perfect example of a mid table team. Not good enough to push for the playoffs, or beat those around that area, but good enough to stay well clear of relegation, and show dominance over the teams down there. But they do arrive in poor form in the league, and haven't won a Championship game since December 26th.
They played in the FA Cup in midweek, away at Premier League side Nottingham Forest, and came away with a defeat on penalties. In the league, they last played on Friday night just over a week ago, and lost 1-0 at home to Leeds.
Match PredictionI am giving Middlesbrough the edge here. They've not been at their best yet, drawing games they would have fancied to win, but I think they can keep up their playoff push here, and get a big three points on the board.
