Middlesbrough looked down and out in the playoff race. Three wins on the bounce, a few errors from those above them, and with nine games to go, there may be a small path to Boro for the playoffs after all. But they have to keep going, especially at home, and they welcome Blackburn to the Riverside Stadium on Saturday looking to get another three points.
Middlesbrough Form GuideMiddlesbrough begin the weekend in 9th, but their tails are up. We often see someone come with a really late charge, and this year, it could be them. At the start of the season, the playoffs were a minimum expectation, then they looked to be out of contention, but now they're back and looking hungry.
It's three wins from their last three games that have led them to this position. Last weekend, a 1-0 away win at Birmingham and before that, a 2-0 away win at QPR. Their third was a home win, a 3-1 success over playoff chasing Norwich, this is some of the best football we've seen Boro play all season.
Blackburn Form GuideBlackburn are in the relegation battle, but I do think they will be fine. John Eustace came into the team, he's done well for them and while they've not won, they have been picking up draws, so adding points to their total. Let's not forget that at this time of the year, every point could be crucial.
Blackburn drew 1-1 with Plymouth last weekend, a team at the side of them in the relegation battle. Millwall, Norwich, Cardiff and Preston are other teams that Blackburn have drawn against under Eustace. It may not be pretty, but take those five points away from them and they're in the relegation zone.
Match PredictionI can't go against Middlesbrough here, they're going along great at the moment and they are a team who could be peaking at the right time. Blackburn will be stubborn, but I'll take Middlesbrough to win this one.
