We often see a team making a late playoff push in the EFL, and this season it could be Middlesbrough in the Championship. They're still some way behind, six points off with six games to play, but are flying, got closer on Monday and will look to keep momentum going here when they welcome Swansea City to the Riverside.
Middlesbrough Form GuideUltimately, however Middlesbrough fare between now and the end of the season, their failings at the start will be remembered. They were really struggling then, but eventually got back on track, and are now pushing hard. In 9th with 58 points, they come here unbeaten in their last six games.
That has seen them produce four wins and two draws, with the most recent game being a 2-0 home win over struggling Sheffield Wednesday. Before that, they took a good point away from home against Southampton, to round off a strong Easter weekend. More is needed, but with six games to go, Boro are still in it.
Swansea Form GuideSwansea have had a pretty terrible season all round, after the optimism in the summer when Michaell Duff was appointed. It's not Luke Williams in charge, he's done his job, which was to get them safe. Seven clear of the relegation zone, with six to play, it should be enough for them to retain Championship status.
Just one win from their last five isn't great, but two draws means five points in total. They come here on the back of a defeat on Monday, losing 1-0 away at QPR, a side below them in the league. Before that, a point against Sheffield Wednesday, another side below them in the standings.
Match PredictionA big chance for Middlesbrough to keep their playoff push on track, and I think they take all three points here, against a Swansea side that are not playing great right now. I will go for a home win, and Boro to give their fans even more hope of the playoffs.
